Dr. R.N. Sommerville

I am a qualified veterinary surgeon with a keen interest in veterinary pathology and the analytical science required in a laboratory environment.

My work in small animal private practice allowed me to develop my interest and clinical pathology/anatomic pathology skills. Recently, I have decided to pursue a career in the biomedical sciences field.

With the chance to study a masters degree in Neuro-degeneration, -development and Repair within the School of Biomedical Science, I plan to be involved in research covering Alzheimer's Disease.

My current goal is to develop a non-transgenic Alzheimer's Disease (AD) mouse model in an attempt to study the pathophysiology of disease in the enteric nervous system and how this relates to pathology in the central nervous system.
The contribution of the peripheral immune system in AD is not well known. I am particularly interested in the peripheral immune system and neuro-immune communication between the enteric and central nervous systems. Furthermore, gastro-intestinal anatomical variations in local immune populations may provide an insight into defense mechanisms involved.

On development of the model, novel therapeutic agents can be applied and their efficacy against neuro-degenerative lesions assessed.

Education

Bachelor of Veterinary Science 2001-2005, Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria, South Africa