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Dr

Shafqat Jaigirdar

Lecturer

School Of Biosciences and Chemistry

Orcid identifier0009-0000-9432-3035
  • Lecturer
    School Of Biosciences and Chemistry

ABOUt

I am a Lecturer and Group Leader in Immunology. My research focuses on the regulation of immune cells in the context of inflammatory diseases, with a particular interest in Natural killer cells, γδ T cells, and Innate Lymphoid Cells in autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Using advanced skin inflammation models and cutting-edge imaging techniques, I aim to uncover how immune cells regulate inflammation and adapt in health and disease. I am also passionate about teaching and advancing knowledge in cellular immunology.

 

My interest in Immunology began during my undergraduate studies at Trinity College Dublin, where I earned a B.A. (Mod) (Hons) degree in Immunology. This passion deepened during my PhD at the University of Glasgow, where I conducted research as part of an Arthritis Research UK (ARUK)-funded project, focusing on signals that regulate the trafficking, persistence and survival of T cells at peripheral inflamed tissues. This foundational experience solidified my dedication to understanding the intricate mechanisms of immune cell trafficking and behaviour.

Following my PhD, I spent five years as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Manchester on a Wellcome Trust-funded project. During this time, I explored various aspects of skin inflammation, including the thymic development of γδ T cells in the context of psoriasis and dermatitis, and the role of innate lymphoid cells in resolving skin inflammation. This work provided me with advanced expertise in cellular immunology and the opportunity to apply cutting-edge techniques such as RNA sequencing, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), multi-colour flow cytometry and advanced imaging.

In addition to research, I developed a strong interest in teaching during my postdoctoral fellowship, delivering immunology lectures and practical sessions to master’s and medical students as well as supervising master's and PhD students in the lab. This experience inspired me to pursue a role that combines both research and teaching.

Currently, I am a Lecturer in Immunology and a Group Leader at Sheffield Hallam University. My research group investigates the regulation of immune cells in health and disease, with a focus on autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as well as cancer. A key area of our work involves developing novel in vitro models of skin inflammation to study the function of innate-like lymphocytes and uncover mechanisms underlying immune responses in inflamed environments.

Throughout my career, I have remained dedicated to advancing our understanding of immune cell behaviour and dynamics. By combining research and teaching, I aim to contribute to the broader body of immunological knowledge while inspiring and mentoring the next generation of biomedical scientists.

DISCIPLINE (REF UOA)

  • Biological Sciences

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

  • 3 Good Health and Well Being
  • 4 Quality Education
  • 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

FIELDS OF RESEARCH