Dr Cheryl Hawkes
Senior Lecturer in NeuroscienceResearch Interests
My research focuses on understanding the aetiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, I focus on the development of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), the deposition of toxic β-amyloid proteins in the walls of the blood vessels of the AD brain. I am interested in how risk factors for AD, such as ageing and obesity, affect the structure of the blood vessels and their ability to remove β-amyloid from the brain.
I am also interested in how the early life environment, including maternal and paternal obesity, impacts on the health and function of the offspring brain and if the early life environment predisposes individuals towards developing age-related diseases like AD.
PhD Supervision Interests
I am happy to discuss possible MSc and PhD projects with students who are interested in brain development and ageing, factors that influence cerebrovascular health and Alzheimer's disease.
Investigating astroglial bicarbonate transport in stroke-induced pH imbalance and injury in the brain
01/12/2024 → 31/10/2026
Research
Impact of paternal obesity on offspring brain structure and function; implications for Alzheimer's disease
01/01/2023 → 31/12/2027
Research
Characterisation of perivascular astrocyte heterogeneity in human brains
01/01/2022 → 31/12/2023
Research
The role of soluble APP fragments in Alzheimer's disease
01/10/2021 → 30/09/2025
Research
Targeting perivascular innervation and vascular tone for improved clearance of ß-amyloid from the brain
01/10/2019 → 31/08/2020
Research
A2bAD: Targeting the astrocyte adenosine 2b receptor for improved vascular function in Alzheimer's Disease
01/01/1900 → …
Research
Furness STEM show 2025
School Engagement
UlverSTEM 2024
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
In Microns
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
Defying Dementia Day
Public Lecture/ Debate/Seminar
MSc Research examiner
Examination
Of mice (and worms and flies) and men: research in the Ageing and Neurocience group
Invited talk
Internal PhD examiner
Examination
External PhD examiner
Examination
Internal PhD examiner
Examination
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (Journal)
Editorial activity
PhD viva external examiner
Examination
International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Journal)
Editorial activity
PhD viva external examiner
Examination
- Ageing and Neuroscience