Maddalena Comini

After completing my PhD in cellular biophysics at the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centre (Fz Jülich), I joined the lab of Prof. David Bennett at NDCN (Oxford), where I am studying the role of VGSC Nav1.7 and calcium-permeable TRPA1 in painful channelopathies. To pursue my research, I am using a multi-disciplinary approach, involving electrophysiological (patch clamp and MEA multi-electrode arrays) and molecular biology techniques. My aim is to get a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pain perception and sensitivity, in different systems (HEK293T cells, DRG and human iPSC-d sensory neurons), to finally identify novel therapeutic targets.

I am a Tutor at Somerville College, where I teach Neurophysiology to 1^st year Experimental Psychology undergraduates. At NDCN, I organise tutorials in Systems Neurosciences for 2^nd and 3^rd year Medical students. I also co-chair the Clinical Neurosciences Society, which aims at creating an inclusive environment, and bringing people together at NDCN.

Finally, I try to promote science and physiology-related research as Representative at NDCN for the Physiological Society UK, an international community which brings together scientists from a multicultural and diverse background