Current Lab Members
Phil Elks - Sir Henry Dale Senior Research Fellow
Phil studied Biochemistry BSc at Warwick University and joined the University of Sheffield for the first time in 2004 to pursue a PhD with Dr Henry Roehl and Prof Peter Croucher. During his PhD he developed the zebrafish as a model for bone development and used this to investigate the role of canonical Wnt signalling in bone formation. In 2008 Phil took up a post-doctoral position with Prof Stephen Renshaw to investigate the roles of hypoxia (HIF) signalling in a zebrafish model of inflammation.
In 2011 he took his HIF expertise to Leiden University (The Netherlands) on a European Respiratory Fellowship in Dr Annemarie Meijer’s group, where he investigated HIF’s effects on the host-response to mycobacterial infection. In 2013 he was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellowship in the Medical School at the University of Sheffield to establish his own research group focussing on the roles of HIF in host-pathogen interaction using the zebrafish model. In 2014 he was awarded a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (from the Wellcome Trust and the Royal Society) to fund his research, which was extended in 2021.
Phil studied Biochemistry BSc at Warwick University and joined the University of Sheffield for the first time in 2004 to pursue a PhD with Dr Henry Roehl and Prof Peter Croucher. During his PhD he developed the zebrafish as a model for bone development and used this to investigate the role of canonical Wnt signalling in bone formation. In 2008 Phil took up a post-doctoral position with Prof Stephen Renshaw to investigate the roles of hypoxia (HIF) signalling in a zebrafish model of inflammation.
In 2011 he took his HIF expertise to Leiden University (The Netherlands) on a European Respiratory Fellowship in Dr Annemarie Meijer’s group, where he investigated HIF’s effects on the host-response to mycobacterial infection. In 2013 he was awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellowship in the Medical School at the University of Sheffield to establish his own research group focussing on the roles of HIF in host-pathogen interaction using the zebrafish model. In 2014 he was awarded a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (from the Wellcome Trust and the Royal Society) to fund his research, which was extended in 2021.
Amy Lewis - Research Assistant
Amy studied Immunology at the University of East London and later undertook an MSc in Biomedical Immunology. She has worked in a number of labs in London and Sheffield on projects focusing on disease treatment through immune system modulation as well as those investigating more basic biological questions.
Amy enjoys yoga, walking in the Peak District and produces stained glass windows and panels in her spare time. She is an active member of the Sheffield Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and is currently renovating a house.
Amy studied Immunology at the University of East London and later undertook an MSc in Biomedical Immunology. She has worked in a number of labs in London and Sheffield on projects focusing on disease treatment through immune system modulation as well as those investigating more basic biological questions.
Amy enjoys yoga, walking in the Peak District and produces stained glass windows and panels in her spare time. She is an active member of the Sheffield Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and is currently renovating a house.
Jelle Oskam - PhD student, Co-supervised by Prof. Stephen Renshaw
Jelle initially joined the lab as a Masters from Leiden University, the Netherlands, and has returned to pursue a PhD in March 2020. During his project, Jelle will focus on the protective effects of Hif modulated neutrophils on M. marinum infection. Outside of work, he likes to hike and to go to the cinema and the gym.
Jelle initially joined the lab as a Masters from Leiden University, the Netherlands, and has returned to pursue a PhD in March 2020. During his project, Jelle will focus on the protective effects of Hif modulated neutrophils on M. marinum infection. Outside of work, he likes to hike and to go to the cinema and the gym.
Tom Burgess - PhD student, Co-supervised by Prof Alison Condliffe
Tom is a PhD student at the University of Sheffield. Tom completed his masters in antimicrobial resistance in Sheffield, completing his lab project in The Elks Lab. He has a keen interest in immunology, which he will be exploring in his project about Hif signalling in neutrophil responses to fungal infections.
Outside the lab, Tom enjoys swimming, cycling in the Peak District and playing underwater hockey.
Tom is a PhD student at the University of Sheffield. Tom completed his masters in antimicrobial resistance in Sheffield, completing his lab project in The Elks Lab. He has a keen interest in immunology, which he will be exploring in his project about Hif signalling in neutrophil responses to fungal infections.
Outside the lab, Tom enjoys swimming, cycling in the Peak District and playing underwater hockey.
Zoë Speirs - PhD student, Co-supervised by Prof Endre Kiss-Toth
Zoe completed a masters from the University of Edinburgh, going on to become a Research Assistant the following year, using zebrafish as an animal model in both projects. Zoe has returned to Yorkshire (where she did her undergraduate) to pursue a PhD in the Elks lab. During her project, she will focus on the macrophage anti-inflammatory response to M. marinum infection.
Outside of the lab, Zoe enjoys running, reading and baking – particularly cookies!
Zoe completed a masters from the University of Edinburgh, going on to become a Research Assistant the following year, using zebrafish as an animal model in both projects. Zoe has returned to Yorkshire (where she did her undergraduate) to pursue a PhD in the Elks lab. During her project, she will focus on the macrophage anti-inflammatory response to M. marinum infection.
Outside of the lab, Zoe enjoys running, reading and baking – particularly cookies!
Nils Olijhoek - PhD student, Co-supervised. Primary supervisor: Prof Stephen Renshaw
Nils is a PhD student in the INFLANET network, an EU Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Training Network. He is originally from The Netherlands where he obtained both his BSc and MSc in Biology at Leiden University. His main research interests are immunology and oncology in which he specialised during his studies through various internships within academia and industry. In his current project he will focus on a process called neutrophil swarming, where he will characterise the events leading to swarm formation as well as what mechanisms eventually lead to dissolution.
In his free time he likes to go for walks in the peak district, enjoys a good pint at the pub with friends. and is an avid gamer when the weather makes going outside bothersome.
Nils is a PhD student in the INFLANET network, an EU Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Training Network. He is originally from The Netherlands where he obtained both his BSc and MSc in Biology at Leiden University. His main research interests are immunology and oncology in which he specialised during his studies through various internships within academia and industry. In his current project he will focus on a process called neutrophil swarming, where he will characterise the events leading to swarm formation as well as what mechanisms eventually lead to dissolution.
In his free time he likes to go for walks in the peak district, enjoys a good pint at the pub with friends. and is an avid gamer when the weather makes going outside bothersome.
Charlie Moss - Masters student
Charlie is a 4th-year MBiolSci Microbiology student at the University of Sheffield.
He is looking into repurposing drugs as new treatments for mycobacterial infections.
In his spare time, Charlie enjoys hiking and climbing and is a big Star Wars fan.
Charlie is a 4th-year MBiolSci Microbiology student at the University of Sheffield.
He is looking into repurposing drugs as new treatments for mycobacterial infections.
In his spare time, Charlie enjoys hiking and climbing and is a big Star Wars fan.
Lab Escapees
Josh Norwood - PhD student, Co-supervised. Primary supervisor: Dr Stephane Mesnage
Josh completed an MBiolSci integrated masters in Molecular Biology at the University of Sheffield and has completed a couple of successful summer research projects focusing on bacterial pathogens. Josh decided to stay in Sheffield to pursue his PhD looking at how the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Enterococcus faecalis evades detection by phagocytes during infection.
In his spare time, Josh enjoys playing golf, walking in the Peak District and visiting new places. He is also likes reading and watching films, especially horror, science fiction and fantasy.
Josh completed his PhD in Autumn 2023.
Josh completed an MBiolSci integrated masters in Molecular Biology at the University of Sheffield and has completed a couple of successful summer research projects focusing on bacterial pathogens. Josh decided to stay in Sheffield to pursue his PhD looking at how the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Enterococcus faecalis evades detection by phagocytes during infection.
In his spare time, Josh enjoys playing golf, walking in the Peak District and visiting new places. He is also likes reading and watching films, especially horror, science fiction and fantasy.
Josh completed his PhD in Autumn 2023.
Cara Langford - Masters student
Cara is a 4th year MRes student studying Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Sheffield. Cara is looking at modelling cardiac infections in zebrafish using Mycobacterium marinum and Candida albicans.
In her spare time Cara enjoys playing netball, going on walks in the peaks, and completing a good pub quiz.
Cara left in Summer 2023 to train in the NHS.
Cara is a 4th year MRes student studying Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Sheffield. Cara is looking at modelling cardiac infections in zebrafish using Mycobacterium marinum and Candida albicans.
In her spare time Cara enjoys playing netball, going on walks in the peaks, and completing a good pub quiz.
Cara left in Summer 2023 to train in the NHS.
Taylor Wellfare Reid - Masters student
Taylor is a 4th-year MBiolSci Microbiology student at the University of Sheffield. So far he has tackled various bacterial-based student projects, ranging from antimicrobial resistance to photosynthetic research. Taylor now has to use slightly lower magnification on the microscope as he works with zebrafish. Specifically, he is investigating hypoxia signalling in zebrafish and also how particular nanoparticles can be used to boost the innate immune system to counteract invading fish pathogens, including Mycobacterium marinum.
In his spare time, Taylor enjoys playing football, running the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Society as President, working alongside the UoS iGEM team, and resting when possible!
Taylor left in Summer 2023 to do a PhD in Newcastle.
Taylor is a 4th-year MBiolSci Microbiology student at the University of Sheffield. So far he has tackled various bacterial-based student projects, ranging from antimicrobial resistance to photosynthetic research. Taylor now has to use slightly lower magnification on the microscope as he works with zebrafish. Specifically, he is investigating hypoxia signalling in zebrafish and also how particular nanoparticles can be used to boost the innate immune system to counteract invading fish pathogens, including Mycobacterium marinum.
In his spare time, Taylor enjoys playing football, running the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Society as President, working alongside the UoS iGEM team, and resting when possible!
Taylor left in Summer 2023 to do a PhD in Newcastle.
Aniyra Chan - Medical student
Aniyra is a medical student pestering PhD students in the lab for the year. Aniyra is looking at neutrophil responses in the context of HIF manipulation in a comorbid zebrafish model (both infected and wounded).
In her spare time, Aniyra attempts to boulder, caters for Sheffield Wilderness Med Soc, and is a collector of ratty furniture from the streets of Sheffield (much to the delight of her housemates).
Aniyra left in Summer 2023 to continue her medical degree
Aniyra is a medical student pestering PhD students in the lab for the year. Aniyra is looking at neutrophil responses in the context of HIF manipulation in a comorbid zebrafish model (both infected and wounded).
In her spare time, Aniyra attempts to boulder, caters for Sheffield Wilderness Med Soc, and is a collector of ratty furniture from the streets of Sheffield (much to the delight of her housemates).
Aniyra left in Summer 2023 to continue her medical degree
Jin Wang - Masters student, Co-supervised by Dr Emily Noël
Jin studied Veterinary BSc in China and now is a MSc student of molecular medicine in University of Sheffield. Jin is doing her project about zebrafish model of cardiac infection in the Elks Lab. She has interest in immunology and neuroscience.
Outside of the lab, she likes running and reading, also some video games.
Jin left in Summer 2022 to take up a PhD in Edinburgh.
Jin studied Veterinary BSc in China and now is a MSc student of molecular medicine in University of Sheffield. Jin is doing her project about zebrafish model of cardiac infection in the Elks Lab. She has interest in immunology and neuroscience.
Outside of the lab, she likes running and reading, also some video games.
Jin left in Summer 2022 to take up a PhD in Edinburgh.
Ben Walker - Sheffield Hallam Student
Ben is a 3rd year Biomedical science student at Sheffield Hallam University on his placement year. With a interest in neuroscience.
In his spare time he likes to play most different types of sports and video games. Also likes going on hikes and used to do geocasing.
Ben left in Summer 2022 to continue his undergraduate studies.
Ben is a 3rd year Biomedical science student at Sheffield Hallam University on his placement year. With a interest in neuroscience.
In his spare time he likes to play most different types of sports and video games. Also likes going on hikes and used to do geocasing.
Ben left in Summer 2022 to continue his undergraduate studies.
Ffion Hammond - PhD student, Co-supervised by Prof. Endre Kiss-Toth
Ffion graduated from Keele University in 2017 with a BSc in Biochemistry with Biology, including an Industrial placement year at Wageningen University and Research Centre. She moved to Sheffield in October 2017 to start her PhD. Ffion's research interests are focused around innate immunity, in particular mechanisms influencing leukocyte polarisation during various infection models.
Outside of the lab, she is a keen lacrosse player and enjoys hiking and cinema.
Ffion finished her PhD in Spring 2022 and left for a research position at Keele University
Ffion graduated from Keele University in 2017 with a BSc in Biochemistry with Biology, including an Industrial placement year at Wageningen University and Research Centre. She moved to Sheffield in October 2017 to start her PhD. Ffion's research interests are focused around innate immunity, in particular mechanisms influencing leukocyte polarisation during various infection models.
Outside of the lab, she is a keen lacrosse player and enjoys hiking and cinema.
Ffion finished her PhD in Spring 2022 and left for a research position at Keele University
Piotr Szkuta - PhD student, Co-supervised by Prof. Alison Condliffe
Piotr holds an MSc in Microbiology and moved to Sheffield in 2014 to take part in a UK Innovate project concerning the development of novel vaccines for protection against Staphylococcus aureus infections. Piotr’s research interests relate to infection and immunity, in particular the role of the hypoxia signalling pathway and live imaging of leukocytes in tuberculosis.
Piotr finished his PhD in Spring 2021 and left for a post doctoral position at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Piotr holds an MSc in Microbiology and moved to Sheffield in 2014 to take part in a UK Innovate project concerning the development of novel vaccines for protection against Staphylococcus aureus infections. Piotr’s research interests relate to infection and immunity, in particular the role of the hypoxia signalling pathway and live imaging of leukocytes in tuberculosis.
Piotr finished his PhD in Spring 2021 and left for a post doctoral position at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Lewis Williams - Sheffield Hallam Student
Lewis is a 3rd year Biomedical science student at Sheffield Hallam university with a keen interest in immunology and diabetes. In his spare time he likes watching the NFL, spending time with family and friends, playing games and also has an interest in film and TV.
Lewis left in Summer 2020 to continue his undergraduate studies at Sheffield Hallam University
Lewis is a 3rd year Biomedical science student at Sheffield Hallam university with a keen interest in immunology and diabetes. In his spare time he likes watching the NFL, spending time with family and friends, playing games and also has an interest in film and TV.
Lewis left in Summer 2020 to continue his undergraduate studies at Sheffield Hallam University
Jack Hales - Masters Student
Jack is currently studying for an MSc in biochemistry and microbiology at the university of Sheffield, he has a particular interest in immunology and infectious disease and one day hopes to contribute to solving a major health problem facing the world.
In his spare time Jack enjoys canoeing on the Norfolk broads, walking in the peak district and martial arts.
Jack escaped in Spring 2020 and will be taking up a PhD position in UEA in October 2020. All the best with the PhD Jack!
Jack is currently studying for an MSc in biochemistry and microbiology at the university of Sheffield, he has a particular interest in immunology and infectious disease and one day hopes to contribute to solving a major health problem facing the world.
In his spare time Jack enjoys canoeing on the Norfolk broads, walking in the peak district and martial arts.
Jack escaped in Spring 2020 and will be taking up a PhD position in UEA in October 2020. All the best with the PhD Jack!
Bob Schofner - Princeton Intern- left August 2019
Bob is an american, born in Tampa, Florida, and is currently attending Princeton University for his undergraduate degree. He intends to major in molecular biology and pursue a career in surgery and medicine. Outside of his studies Bob is also an eagle scout and illustrator for a satirical Princeton periodical.
Bob is interning with the Elks lab for the duration of the 2019 summer and look forward to learning as much as he can in that time.
Bob is an american, born in Tampa, Florida, and is currently attending Princeton University for his undergraduate degree. He intends to major in molecular biology and pursue a career in surgery and medicine. Outside of his studies Bob is also an eagle scout and illustrator for a satirical Princeton periodical.
Bob is interning with the Elks lab for the duration of the 2019 summer and look forward to learning as much as he can in that time.
Holly Anderson - Hallam placement student- left July 2019
Holly is a Bsc student in Biochemistry at Sheffield Hallam University, completing an industrial sandwich placement. She is interested in completing a Masters and PhD after graduating. Outside of the lab Holly enjoys swimming, volunteering (previously for the Royal Voluntary Service and PDSA), painting and visiting new places.
Holly left to complete her undergraduate degree at Sheffield Hallam University.
Holly is a Bsc student in Biochemistry at Sheffield Hallam University, completing an industrial sandwich placement. She is interested in completing a Masters and PhD after graduating. Outside of the lab Holly enjoys swimming, volunteering (previously for the Royal Voluntary Service and PDSA), painting and visiting new places.
Holly left to complete her undergraduate degree at Sheffield Hallam University.
Hannah Isles - PhD Student Co-supervised, with Prof Stephen Renshaw- left June 2019
Hannah graduated from Newcastle University with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences in 2014 and moved to Sheffield in October 2014 to start her PhD. Hannah’s research interests are focused around the resolution of the inflammatory response, in particular the mechanisms by which neutrophils are retained at the inflammatory site.
Hannah escaped to an awesome post-doc position in New York!
Hannah graduated from Newcastle University with a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences in 2014 and moved to Sheffield in October 2014 to start her PhD. Hannah’s research interests are focused around the resolution of the inflammatory response, in particular the mechanisms by which neutrophils are retained at the inflammatory site.
Hannah escaped to an awesome post-doc position in New York!
Yves Schild - Masters Intern- left March 2019
Yves studies his MSc in Medical Biology at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. He has joined the lab for an internship funded by Erasmus program. He will work on a project focused on the impact of Hif on neutrophil behaviours during inflammation and infection.
Outside of the lab Yves enjoys being outdoors, walking, climbing and mountain biking, and enjoys reading a good book.
Yves studies his MSc in Medical Biology at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. He has joined the lab for an internship funded by Erasmus program. He will work on a project focused on the impact of Hif on neutrophil behaviours during inflammation and infection.
Outside of the lab Yves enjoys being outdoors, walking, climbing and mountain biking, and enjoys reading a good book.
Abdi Mohamed - BMedSci student - left Summer 2018
Abdi is a BMedSci student who was born and raised in sheffield.
Outside of academia, he enjoys reading Sci-fi/fantasy novels and playing football.
Abdi is a BMedSci student who was born and raised in sheffield.
Outside of academia, he enjoys reading Sci-fi/fantasy novels and playing football.
Liv Ballinger - Masters student - left Summer 2018
Liv is an MBB student studying her integrated Masters in Sheffield. She is interested in pursuing a research career in infection and immunity after graduating.
In her spare time, Liv enjoys going bouldering and to the gym, and planning her 6 month round-the-world trip.
Liv is an MBB student studying her integrated Masters in Sheffield. She is interested in pursuing a research career in infection and immunity after graduating.
In her spare time, Liv enjoys going bouldering and to the gym, and planning her 6 month round-the-world trip.
Ed Wootton - BMedSci student- left Summer 2017
Ed was a BMedSci student in the lab His project focused on the role of the transcription factor HIF in the immune response to Mycobacterium marinum using the zebrafish model
Lucy Faulkner - BMedSci student - left Summer 2014.
Lucy was a BMedSci student in the lab, co-supervised by Prof Stephen Renshaw.
Ed was a BMedSci student in the lab His project focused on the role of the transcription factor HIF in the immune response to Mycobacterium marinum using the zebrafish model
Lucy Faulkner - BMedSci student - left Summer 2014.
Lucy was a BMedSci student in the lab, co-supervised by Prof Stephen Renshaw.