Research Interests
Open to PhD applications in the field of GPCR pharmacology and signalling, with an emphasis on:
- The spatial properties of GPCR signalling
- The structural determinants of allostery and biased GPCR signalling
Public outreach & key achievements
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Our team engages in outreach events such as the Northern Ireland Science Festival and offers work placements for local and international summer students.
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Dr Plouffe's research has been recognised worldwide in prestigious Awards from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Diabetes Canada, the Wellcome Trust, Diabetes UK as well as the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (UK Research and Innovation).
Research students
| PhD Title | Investigation of the role of secreted Frizzled-related protein 2 in diabetic retinopathy |
| Name | Adam Wright |
| Years of study | 1st year; Primary supervisor |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| PhD Title | Investigation of the allosteric properties of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor |
| Name | Gizemgul Kara |
| Years of study | 2nd year; Co-supervisor |
| Country | Turkey |
| PhD Title | Understanding allosteric and biased GPCR signalling from computer simulations and mutagenesis |
| Name | Abdul-Akim Guseinov |
| Years of study | 3rd year; Co-supervisor |
| Country | Russia |
Alumni: Where are they now
| PhD Title | Investigation of the role of US28 subcellular location in the upregulation of oncomodulatory genes in the context of glioblastoma |
| Name | Dr Carole Daly |
| Years of study | 2019-2022 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Current position | Postdoctoral Research Fellow (QUB) |