Laurienne Edgar

I am a DPhil student working under the supervision of Prof Robin Choudhury. The overall aim of my research project is to understand why patients with diabetes have an increased cardiovascular disease risk and amplified atherosclerotic disease burden which persists even after glucose normalising treatment.  

The leading causes of death in patients with diabetes are cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, primarily caused by accelerated narrowing and hardening of the arteries via a process called atherosclerosis. The major goal of diabetic therapeutics is to reduce blood glucose levels, however this does not stop accelerated atherosclerosis. Currently the mechanisms behind this long lasting effect of hyperglycaemia have not been fully identified.

Outside of the lab, I am involved in various public engagement events such as Pint of Science in which I am an event coordinator and have helped run the annual festival for the last two years. I am also an active member of Green Templeton College: rowing for their woman's first boat, GTBC social secretary and holding the role of external entertainment officer for the student GCR committee.