Jimi Adu

I obtained my Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Physiology from the University of Liverpool in 1988. I received my PhD in Developmental Neurobiology from the University of London in 1996. Subsequently, I undertook post-doctoral research training in molecular neurobiology at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Centre in the USA. After further post-doctoral training in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases, at the Universities of Leeds and Birmingham, respectively, I was appointed senior lecturer at the University of Brighton in 2005. I am currently a principal lecturer in the school of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. I teach students on a wide range of degree courses and my current research interests include nerve repair strategies, diabetic neuropathy and neuronal and glial cancers.

My teaching ethos is to provide my students with the best possible learning experiences and opportunities. Through the delivery of interesting and thought-provoking course material, I aim to enthuse my students to take ownership of their own learning; to enjoy the process of building on their knowledge; question and evaluate established knowledge; so that they can set out firmly on the road to becoming life-long independent inquisitive learners.

I currently teach students undertaking a variety of interesting undergraduate courses including the BM BS medical degree course at BSMS, Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biomedical Science, Biological Sciences and Ecology courses in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. To promote interest and enthusiasm amongst my students, my lectures are highly interactive as I include questions on my lecture slides to test student understanding of a concept previously discussed, to encourage problem-solving or to promote an environment that encourages students to want to ask me supplementary questions so that their learning in lectures and private revision becomes an active and hopefully enjoyable experience.

My research interests focus on investigating the pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and diabetic neuropathy; evaluating carbon nanotubes and biomaterials for peripheral nerve repair; investigating the role of the tumour microenvironment in the pathogenesis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and assessing phytochemical-based therapeutics for GBM. As principal investigator, I have been successful in securing an EPSRC studentship CASE award and FP7 IAPP grant to investigate the biocompatibility of carbon nanotubes with neural tissue. I have also secured grant income as a co-applicant for the Interreg Perene project.

I am an expert reviewer of papers submitted for publication to the journals Small, Advanced Functional Materials, Nanomedicine, Carbon, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Age, and Macromolecular Bioscience. I am also an expert reviewer for the BBSRC and EPSRC for grant applications focused on nerve repair (BBSRC) or carbon nanomaterials (EPSRC).