Research groups
Mouse/rat lines to study sex differences
The following lines are currently available at the University of Oxford:
- Four Core Genotypes (FCG) mouse model
- Sex Chromosome Trisomy (SCT) mouse model
- FCG-like rat model
If you are interested in using these models in your research please get in touch with me.
Vestibulo-cochlear organ reconstruction from MRI
Kamila Szulc-Lerch
Senior Research Associate
- WIN MRI Graduate Programme Deputy Director
- FSL Course Co-Organiser
- Principal Investigator
I obtained my MSc in Physiology and Neuroscience and PhD in Biomedical Imaging from New York University. My doctoral work focused on developing and applying novel preclinical MRI approaches to studies of brain development using mouse models of human neurodevelopmental disorders. In my studies I used the cerebellum as a model system for quantitative analysis of patterning processes taking place at early postnatal stages.
Following my PhD, I undertook postdoctoral training, funded by a fellowship from Brain Canada and Kids Brain Health Network, at the Hospital for Sick Children and the Mouse Imaging Centre in Toronto. During this period, I worked on projects exploring the potential of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions to promote brain repair in children with brain tumours. I also worked with preclinical rodent models of radiation and hypoxia-ischaemia induced brain injury.
I joined the University of Oxford in the summer of 2019 to build my research programme in preclinical imaging of post-stroke brain recovery. I am principal investigator (PI) on a John Fell Funded study investigating sex differences in stroke recovery using novel Four Core Genotype (FCG)-like rat model. This project is run in collaboration with Art Arnold, Yvonne Couch, Tracy Farr, Thomas Okell, David Bannerman and Stuart Peirson.
In addition to my preclinical work, I also have a strong interest in using big data in clinical neuroscience. I am PI on a UK BioBank project investigating the impact of metformin treatment on brain structure and function. More information about the project can be found here.
D.PHIL STUDENTS
Myrto Lavda (DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford)
Co-supervisors: Yvonne Couch and Heidi Johansen-Berg
Tien Ho (DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences, October 2024 Entry, University of Oxford)
Co-supervisors: Rogier Mars and Daniel Anthony
M.SC./FHS STUDENTS
Hannah Davis (FHS, University of Oxford)
FORMER
Emily Moore (MSc in Neuroscience, University of Oxford)
Tien Ho (MSc in Clin. and Therapeutic Neurosci. University of Oxford)
Katie Thompson (MSc in Neuroscience, University of Oxford)
Claire Park (MSc in Neuroscience, University of Oxford)
Eugenio Graceffo (MSc in Neuroscience, University of Oxford)
D.PHIL PROJECTS / RESEARCH PLACEMENTS
To inquire about available placements, please email: kamila.szulc-lerch@ndcn.ox.ac.uk and include your CV along with a letter of intent describing your research interests. More information about the DPhil programme in Clinical Neurosciences at NDCN can be found here.
Collaborators
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Heidi Johansen-Berg
Director of the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging; Associate Head of Medical Sciences Division (Research)
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Jason Lerch
Professor of Neuroscience
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Rogier Mars
Professor of Neurosciences
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Thomas Okell
Associate Professor
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Stuart Peirson
Professor of Circadian Neuroscience
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David Bannerman
Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience
Key publications
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Exercise promotes growth and rescues volume deficits in the hippocampus after cranial radiation in young mice.
Journal article
Szulc-Lerch K. et al, (2023), NMR Biomed
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Metformin Effects on Brain Development Following Cranial Irradiation in a Mouse Model.
Journal article
Yuen N. et al, (2021), Neuro Oncol
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Repairing the brain with physical exercise: Cortical thickness and brain volume increases in long-term pediatric brain tumor survivors in response to a structured exercise intervention.
Journal article
Szulc-Lerch KU. et al, (2018), Neuroimage Clin, 18, 972 - 985
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Mouse MRI shows brain areas relatively larger in males emerge before those larger in females.
Journal article
Qiu LR. et al, (2018), Nat Commun, 9
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4D MEMRI atlas of neonatal FVB/N mouse brain development.
Journal article
Szulc KU. et al, (2015), Neuroimage, 118, 49 - 62
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MRI analysis of cerebellar and vestibular developmental phenotypes in Gbx2 conditional knockout mice.
Journal article
Szulc KU. et al, (2013), Magn Reson Med, 70, 1707 - 1717
Recent publications
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Exercise promotes growth and rescues volume deficits in the hippocampus after cranial radiation in young mice.
Journal article
Szulc-Lerch K. et al, (2023), NMR Biomed
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Patterns of change in cortical morphometry following traumatic brain injury in adults.
Journal article
Mazaharally M. et al, (2021), Hum Brain Mapp
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Metformin Effects on Brain Development Following Cranial Irradiation in a Mouse Model.
Journal article
Yuen N. et al, (2021), Neuro Oncol
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Impaired Recent, but Preserved Remote, Autobiographical Memory in Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients.
Journal article
Sekeres MJ. et al, (2018), J Neurosci, 38, 8251 - 8261