Lachlan Beckingham

I am a postdoctoral research associate working at King's College London

Postdoctoral Research Associate | Nov. 2021 – present | King’s College London

I am currently employed as a postdoctoral research associate at King’s College London, working under Prof. Jody Rosenblatt. My research involves investigating the role of Piezo1 in membrane trafficking and early endosome formation, with a broader focus on the role of Piezo1 in asthma. This role has allowed me to hone the research skills that I developed during my PhD, in a more independent fashion, and provided me with a comprehensive appreciation for broader scientific research and knowledge of the workings of academia. 

PhD – Neuroscience | Aug. 2021 | Griffith University

Thesis title: “Creating a three-dimensional nerve bridge: translating a laboratory device into a surgical product.”

As a PhD candidate, I have used a multidisciplinary approach to design my research project, which involves developing a nerve bridge comprised of cell supporting biomaterials, and transplanting a primary Schwann cell-laden nerve bridge into a mouse model of a sciatic nerve transection injury.  This project incorporates aspects of bioengineering, biomaterial science, cell biology and culture, microscopy, assay development and screening for developing and refining the nerve bridge and making it suitable for transplantation. A molecular biology approach was used to evaluate genomic changes induced by cells when implanted into the nerve bridge in order to determine the impact of these changes on nerve repair. Finally, I used a surgical approach to transplant the nerve bridge. This has significantly contributed to my management, problem solving and critical thinking skills, which has allowed me to successfully run this project independently. Additionally, this has further enhanced my laboratory and research skills acquired during my Honours and Undergraduate degrees, and the protocols and methods I have developed are now serving as the basis for the rest of my groups’ work in nervous system repair, both central and peripheral.

Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) | Nov. 2016 | Griffith University

Thesis title: “Enhanced spheroid formation through vibration in liquid marble cell cultures.”

My research involved developing novel techniques to apply and analyse the application of vibrational stimuli to 3D cell culture methods to enhance cell growth. By engineering a novel platform to stimulate cell cultures through vibration, I was able to produce significant results which helped develop a greater understanding of the biophysical properties of cell-cell interactions. 

My time as an Honours student allowed me to apply all the skills and techniques learned in my undergraduate degree, and greatly challenged and developed my critical thinking and analytical skills.