James Woodward
James is a dedicated and innovative early career researcher with a background in neuroscience and pharmacology. Currently, he is a second-year PhD student at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UKDRI) at the University of Cambridge, where he investigates the critical role of mitochondrial DNA damage and dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases through iPSC derived models. His research is driven by a passion for unraveling the cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders and contributing to the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
He holds an MSci in Pharmacology from the University of Bristol (First Class Honours), where he gained a robust foundation in theoretical and applied biomedical sciences. his academic journey has been complemented by diverse research experiences—including an industrial placement at AstraZeneca—where he performed a range of molecular techniques such as Western blotting, live cell image analysis, immunocytochemistry, and quantitative RT-PCR. These experiences have not only deepened his technical expertise but also sharpened his skills in experimental design, data analysis, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Beyond the laboratory, he has actively contributed to academic and professional communities. He served as Co-President of the MRC-DTP Student Committee, fostering collaboration across research groups, and has taken on roles involving mentorship and peer support, such as leading study sessions for undergraduate students. He has also completed AstraZeneca’s Python course and participated in an international hackathon, in an attempt to integrate modern computational techniques into biological research.
