Mr Nick Heavey

I obtained my BSc in Biochemistry at Liverpool John Moores University, and MRes in Tropical Health and Infectious Disease Research here at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; completing a 9-month research project with my project supervisor, Dr Casas-Sanchez, titled ‘The use of Glycosylation inhibitors as a novel way to reduce Arbovirus transmission’. Post MRes, I spent a year working as a Research Assistant under the guidance of my project supervisor. From my work in industry, MRes and year working with my supervisor, I have acquired a large skillset in molecular biology.

After my BSc and prior to completing my MRes, I managed a small team of scientists across the scientific disciplines of: Microbiology, Molecular diagnostics, Parasitology and Serology for a health monitoring company. During this time, I developed an aptitude for laboratory work and a keen interest in CL3 pathogens. Acquiring a Hookworm parasite on a trip to Thailand, furthermore, pushed me to complete further education at LSTM.

I have recently started as a Research Assistant in Prof. Goffinet’s group at LSTM. I am investigating MPXV–PBMC infection models, cell tropism in both human and non-human cell lines, host–pathogen cellular responses, and eventually the interplay of MPXV with latent HIV-1. This work aims to provide a deeper understanding of how the innate immune response contributes to viral dissemination by identifying which cell types are susceptible to infection and support de-novo synthesis of viral particles.