Elucidating how chemokines guide neutrophil migration to sites of infection

I would like to undertake the PhD offered by Milka Sarris due to my interest in leukocyte migration, particularly the role of chemokines and their
receptors in this movement. My previous work on a chemokine research project with Professor Gerard Graham has allowed me to gain experience in
experimental design and working through problems in order to generate results. Furthermore, my project has motivated me to look more specifically at
how chemokine gradients function and how leukocytes sense and respond to them in order for this migration to occur. This project at the renowned
University of Cambridge would give me this opportunity, while working alongside leading academics in the field. Using a technique such as optogenic
control of chemokine secretion is an interesting and exciting approach to decipher the potential of chemokines to establish functional gradients. Being
able to use this technique in the lab in which it was developed would be a great experience and I am really enthusiastic about that opportunity. This
project would allow me to develop skills with advanced light microscopy and molecular techniques that will be invaluable in pursuing a research career.
Moreover, the opportunity to contribute to research in such an important field of immunology with the potential to yield significant scientific and
therapeutic advances would be very rewarding and is something that I would really like to be involved in.