Area of Research
Psychobiology, Inflammation, Immunology, Psychological Trauma
Qualification, Duration, Mode
MSc (Masters by Research), 12 Months Duration, Full Time,
Anticipated Start Date
1st June 2014
Funding
This is a Fees-Only Studentship (fees are paid by the School of Life, Health and Social Sciences) over 12 months.? Laboratory and reagent costs are also paid by the University.
Project Description
This project is based in the Health and Wellbeing Research Theme within the Faculty of Life, Health & Social Sciences. It is a collaboration between investigators at ENU, Queen Margaret University and Hong Kong University.? The project is led by Dr. Zo? Chouliara and Dr. Peter Barlow, and is focused on the links between biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation with psychological trauma and levels of interpersonal trust. The present study will test the novel and innovative hypothesis that physiological processes are mirroring relational/emotional processes and that such mirroring may predispose some individuals to an inflammatory immune response. Specifically, we hypothesise that levels of interpersonal trust will mediate the link between psychological trauma and pro-inflammatory biomarkers. We will measure levels of psychological trauma & symptomatology, and interpersonal trust by using standardised questionnaires and examine the correlation with pro-inflammatory markers in ?blood serum. The project will be multi-disciplinary by bringing together unique expertise within the Faculty in terms of psychology, mental health and biology/immunology across two universities in Scotland, i.e. ENU and Queen Margaret University. It will also be a cross-cultural collaboration between ENU and the Hong Kong University.
Person Requirements
We anticipate recruiting an enthusiastic student with interests in psychobiology, immunology and/or inflammation with experience in standard molecular biology and immunology techniques/assays.
Contact
Dr Peter Barlow p.barlow@napier.ac.uk or Dr Zo? Chouliara z.chouliara@napier.ac.uk for further information.