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The Davies
Laboratory
MEET THE TEAM
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Prof. Clare Davies
PhD, B.Med.Sc
Reader in Cancer Cell Biology
I completed my PhD in Cancer Studies at the University of Birmingham, UK, and have ever since been interested in understanding how post-translational modification of proteins contributes to malignant progression. I first came across arginine methylation during my post-doctoral position at the CRUK-London Research Institute (now The Crick) in the lab of Dr. Axel Behrens studying c-Jun-mediated gene expression, and then moved to The University of Manchester to work with Dr. Cathy Tournier on mouse models of breast, skin and pancreatic cancer. I was awarded a Birmingham Fellow in 2012 to start my own research group at the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences and was promoted to Professor in 2024. I really enjoy mentoring the younger members of the team, and in my spare time can be found in the gym sweating and singing along to a Les Mills class, hiking up a mountain, or planning my next big travel tip abroad. Dogs are by far my favourite animal.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
Dr Kelly Chiang
After completing a PhD at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research in Manchester, I moved to the University of Glasgow to begin my foray into the infinite world of epigenetics. I continued this journey after moving to the University of Birmingham where I currently work on the role of arginine methylation in the regulation of breast cancer stem cells, which has also allowed me to dabble part-time in bioinformatics. Outside the lab, I prefer science of a different nature - one which usually results in a more tasty endpoint than pouring an SDS-PAGE gel.
Dr Gemma Regan-Mochrie
I obtained my PhD in Cancer Biology from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. I was fascinated by DNA replication and I studied both the role of sumoylation of the origin recognition complex and a conserved domain on the leading strand polymerase. I joined the Davies lab to pursue my interest in post-translational modifications and study the role of PRMT5 in breast cancer. Outside of the lab I love to cook, hike and travel. I also have a wonderful cat named Freyja.
Dr Soo Youn Choi
I obtained my MSc in Genetic Engineering and PhD in Biochemistry from Seoul National University in South Korea. After my first postdoctoral training in MRC-PPU (MRC -Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitination Unit, University of Dundee), I joined the lab to conduct research focusing on the functions of PRMT5 in breast cancer. I like all kinds of art form, love visiting art galleries and theatres. Actually that is why I like science most as it is like a journey to understand the art of nature.
Dr Emily Prowse
I obtained my PhD in Bioengineering from McGill University studying motor proteins using live cell microscopy methods in stem cell-derived neurons. Armed with my cell culturing skills and a curiosity for understanding post-translational modifications’ influence in cancers, I’ve come to the Davies lab to study the impact of PRMT5 inhibitors in Ewing’s sarcomas. I look forward to making discoveries about PRMT5’s link to the DNA damage response and the biochemical mechanisms that drive it. Outside the lab, I like to crochet, solve crosswords, and go running.
PhD STUDENTS
Ciara Ward
iCASE Astra Zeneca MIBTP BBSRC Studentship
I completed a Masters of Research in Cancer Sciences at the University of Birmingham before I joined the Davies lab as a research technician in October 2021 and I am starting my PhD in October 2023. In my spare time I love to read and am often found with my head in stranger worlds. I also adore travelling and I am hoping to visit new places soon!
Anda Kadia
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Karan Sharma
CRUK PhD Studentship
I studied Biomedical Science at King's College London as an undergraduate. In order to further my interest in cancer research I chose to do a MSc at the University of Leicester in the Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics of Cancer. I joined The Davies Lab in 2019 as a Research Technician, and I started my PhD in October 2021. My research within The Davies Lab focuses on FXR1 and the DNA damage response. In my spare time I love watching and playing cricket. I also like music and most art forms.
MIBTP BBSRC Studentship
I am from Albania and I completed my BSc Biomedical Science degree in the University of Birmingham, during which the Davies Lab has continuously supported my scientific ambitions. I started my PhD in September 2024, focusing on the role of citrullination in the DNA damage response. In my free time, I enjoy making art and music, as well as going to the gym. I am also a huge language learning enthusiast.
Technical Support
Jemma Holland
SUPPORT STAFF
I graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2024 with an MSci in Biochemistry. My final year project was spent in The Davies Lab where I am now staring as a Research Technician in November 2024. My research project involved investigating PADI enzymes in the DNA damage response in U2OS cancer cells and strengthened my interest in cancer research. Outside of the lab I love to cook, crochet and eat!
Bowser
Motivational manager
My name is Bowser and I am the official lab mascot. I am excellent at seeking attention and food but I am always happy to give out licks and cuddles. Woof woof!
Dr Debashish Sahay
PhD
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