Dr Angela Bithell

Try to imagine a dish that thinks it's a brain. If you can, you can seriously start thinking about working alongside Dr Angela Bithell. 

As a lecturer in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, her research has led to the development of 3D 'brain network' models in vitro. The in vitro models have been specially created to help us build a better understanding of central nervous system diseases and their causes. By mimicking features of healthy human brains and brains affected by Alzheimer's disease, Angela's work aims to identify and test life-changing new drugs.

"Developing more relevant human in vitro models of disease can help us to better investigate the underlying causes. As such, they may also help to identify new therapeutic targets and test drug candidates."  

She also brings her research to her teaching. You might learn with her during your MPharm studies and could be offered the opportunity to carry out your final year research project alongside her and have your name published on any resulting research papers.  

Research within Reading School of Pharmacy as a whole spans a broad spectrum from study of molecules and chemistry, through formulation, diagnosis and pharmacology, to patients. With funding from government, charity and industry, academics are helping to improve healthcare. At Reading, our particular strengths include neurobiology, cardiovascular disease, crystallography, nanomedicine and health service innovation. 

Reading School of Pharmacy is also one of the University's key supporters of equality. In fact, Angela leads the School's Athena SWAN programme, promoting the careers of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as Diversity and Inclusion in higher education. 

"The result is a nice working environment, free from obstacles. We make sure that both staff and students are aware of everything that's in place to support them."