Melanie Wheeldon (BSc (Hons), MSc)

Research Technician

Contact details

Address

Street

Chancellor’s Building
49, Little France Crescent

City
Edinburgh
Post code
EH16 4SB

Background

Driven Research Technician | Unravelling Cellular Mysteries at the University of Edinburgh Passionate cell & molecular biologist, Melanie Wheeldon, thrives in the dynamic world of the University of Edinburgh's Department of Orthopaedics & Trauma. As a Research Technician for the past two years, she delves into the intricate dance of cell signalling, specialising in understanding how cells navigate their environment (chemotaxis) and respond to potential harm (cell toxicology). Melanie's fascination with the hidden language of cells stems from a deep-seated desire to understand their boundless potential. Through her research, she aims to contribute to the advancement of orthopaedic and trauma treatments by deciphering how cells react to injury and repair mechanisms. Her keen eye for detail and meticulous laboratory skills ensures reliable data collection and insightful analysis. Fuelled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Melanie embraces every opportunity to learn and grow. She actively participates in departmental seminars, readily takes on new challenges, and collaborates with researchers to translate complex scientific concepts into tangible findings. This dedication was recognised when she was awarded the Athena Swan Scholarship, allowing her to delve deeper into the fascinating world of nanomaterials and their impact on cellular health. Beyond the lab, Melanie is a strong communicator and team player. She effectively interacts with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and fosters a collaborative research environment. Her commitment to professional development extends beyond technical expertise, encompassing effective scientific writing and presentation skills. Looking ahead, Melanie's ambitions lie in bridging the gap between fundamental cell biology and its clinical applications. She dreams of a future where her research contributes to ground-breaking therapies that improve patient outcomes and alleviate suffering. With her unwavering dedication, meticulous approach, and boundless curiosity, Melanie is poised to make a significant impact in the field of orthopaedic and trauma research. Connect with Melanie to discuss her research, explore scientific collaborations, or simply share your passion for the intricate world of cells!

Qualifications

MSC DRUG DESIGN & BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE |IN PROGRESS – COMPLETION JUNE 2024 · This course is providing me with knowledge, understanding and practical experience for a career in medical research. I’m gaining an in depth understanding of disease processes and molecular targets as well as learning how to apply this knowledge and theory to key aspects of drug design and biomedical science. The course modules include Advanced Immunology, Biotechnology & Drug Discovery, Current Practice in Drug Development, Drug Design & Chemotherapy and Molecular Pharmacology & Toxicology.

 

BSC (HONS) BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (CELL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY) | MAY 2019 | HERIOT WATT UNIVERSITY - HONOURS OF THE SECOND-CLASS UPPER DIVISION (2:1) · The content of my degree covers a diverse range of courses including: Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genomics and Proteomics of Human Health, Molecular Toxicology, Receptor Signaling in Health and Disease, Immunology and Pathobiology of Human Disease. My third-year literature review was on the topic of 'Microfluidic technology - an alternative to in vivo testing in nanotoxicology ' in which I scored 85%. In the final year, my dissertation was a wet lab project – Comparative cytotoxicity of three different nanoparticles in human colon Caco-2 and liver HepG2 cells, where I used methods such as adenylate kinase assay, cytotoxicity assay using alamarBlue, IL-8 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Project activity

Tissue responses to ultrasonic excitation

Led by Prof Hamish Simpson, at the University of Edinburgh, Theme 3 develops surgical models and subsequent testing of cutting in clinical applications.

Current project grants

Ultrasurge is a project looking into utilising ultrasound in surgery. Supported by a programme grant from EPSRC for over £6m in funding, Ultrasurge will last 5 years and look into a series of interelated themes around the effect of ultrasound on tissue, the miniaturisation of ultrasound transducers, and using external robots to direct ultrasound tipped robot tentacles to the surgery site within the body.