Cardiovascular Physiology PhD student offering personalised biology tutoring lessons in South Manchester

Alice's CV

Alice Sophie Whitley
Home address: 98 Forest Walk, Buckley, Flintshire, Wales, CH7 3AR
Term-time address: 15 Heaton Road, Withington, Manchester, M204PX
Email: (concealed information)
Phone: (concealed information)0

EDUCATION
The University of Manchester · British Heart Foundation 4-Year Scholarship Programme
Cardiovascular Physiology PhD Student: September 2020-Present
I am a first-year PhD student specifying in cardiovascular research, investigating the role of cardiac microtubules in transverse (t)-tubule biogenesis and maintenance in heart failure in the atria. I aim to better understand how microtubules are altered in heart failure in the atria and how they may affect t-tubule integrity, which in turn, underlies synchronous calcium release and thus a regular, strong heartbeat. My work includes a wide range of experimental models, focusing on the cellular, tissue and organ level, and incorporates predominantly wet-lab techniques.
MRes Cardiovascular Sciences: September 2019-August 2020
Grade achieved: Distinction
- Completed three projects covering a wide range of laboratory techniques and fields of study including vascular, cardiac, and molecular research, as well as EM computer analysis and bioinformatic analysis.
- Undertook independent and group-based tutorial projects consisting of presentations and essay-based assessments in chosen fields of research.
- Completed a literature review as a pre-requisite to my PhD project, and successfully produced a comprehensive research proposal to submit to the British Heart Foundation, both of which achieved a high distinction grade and formed the basis of my PhD project.
The University of Manchester · BSc (Hons) Physiology: September 2016- June 2019
Grade achieved: First Class Honours
- Overall highest achieving student on the degree programme after achieving straight first-class grades in all second year and third year exams. Awarded ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ for exceptional performance in level 2, and The Physiological Society Undergraduate Prize for Physiology.
- Completed a final year lab-based research project into the cellular-based pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis and the putative protective role of anti-diabetic treatments. Also studied towards a Physiology research lab module, in which I designed and executed a research project, achieving a mark of 84%.
- Physiology course representative in Year 1. Involved in student staff liaison meetings, communicating the queries and recommendations of fellow course-mates to the university board, to then make effective changes to both the course and specific modules.
Mold Alun Sixth Form: September 2014- June 2016
3 A level grades achieved: Biology (B), Chemistry (B), Geography (A)
The Open University: September 2015- June 2016
Pre-degree Y.A.S.S. course in ‘Molecules, Medicine, and Drugs’

Elfed High School: September 2009- June 2014
13 GCSE grades achieved: 7 A*’s, 5 A’s, and 1 Distinction, including Mathematics (A) and English (A*). Also achieved the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.
PUBLICATIONS
'Interleukin-33 rescues perivascular adipose tissue anti-contractile function in obesity'- American Journal of Physiology- Heart and Circulatory Physiology. October 2020. Secondary authorship.

EMPLOYMENT
Bar Staff- 532 Bar, The University of Manchester Students’ Union: October 2018- September 2019
- Part time work during term-time. Trained in cocktail and coffee making, as well as conventional bar work. Also work as a waitress during busy times
- Able to work effectively in fast paced environment both independently and with a team
Sales Assistant- Jack Wills: June 2014- September 2018
- Long-standing, committed, and reliable member of staff working part time throughout sixth form, and during the Christmas and summer holidays after starting University
- Experienced in personal shopping and visual merchandising, as well as till work and stock-taking
- Consistently received outstanding customer feedback, having met and exceeded individual sales targets
- Gained the ability to work in a demanding high-end fashion retailer
- Assisted in training new members of staff
OTHER WORK/ RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Post Graduate Ambassador (Present)
- Organise open events and networking sessions
- Show prospective students the facilities at Manchester and answer any queries
School of Biological Sciences Netball Team Committee Member (Present)
- Coach netball sessions as well as participating in competitive league games
- Help organise matches, social events, and charity games
Wrexham Maelor Accident & Emergency
- Shadowed a consultant for one week, in major and minor’s unit of A&E
- Examined X-rays, comforted patients, and sat in on consultations
Volunteer work at British Science Week
- Volunteered on a renal physiology stand, teaching children about kidney function and the associated pathologies. This experience enabled me to develop science communication techniques.
Victoria’s Secret Pink- Brand Ambassador
- Involved in the planning and execution of large events to empower young women, and had a social media role in marketing and brand promotion
SKILLS, AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS
- Personal Licence Holder- Home Office Certified
- Undergraduate Award for Physiology from The Physiological Society
- Synthite Award for Excellence in Science
- Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
- Youth Sports Ambassador for North Wales
INTERESTS
- Keen traveller and visited South America last where I went trekking to Machu Picchu and aided in local community projects in Colombia
- I enjoy running and going to the gym; I help design and execute gym-based training plans for my friends, and am training towards a half marathon
- Member of The Physiological Society and ISHR. Attend seminars and lectures.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST