Dr Rebecca Shepherd BSc (Hons)
Visiting ResearcherCurrent Research
I am currently involved in the following projects:
What is the role of bone marrow adipocytes in bone health and disease?
This project explores the role of fat cells inside bone marrow tissue and investigates whether they influence the onset of osteoarthritis.
Can Raman spectroscopy distinguish between species using chemical signatures from ivory?
This research aims to use the non-destructive laser-based technique, Raman Spectroscopy, to identify the chemical differences between elephant and mammoth ivory, obtained from the Natural History Museum. It is hoped, on completion of this project, that we can demonstrate chemical differences between ivory samples, which could have applications in the prevention of ivory trade.
Current Teaching
MBCHB101 Anatomy
BIOL282 Cellular Pathology
Qualifications
PhD (Medicine), Lancaster University, 2021
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, Lancaster University, 2014
Career Details
Biomedical Scientist (Cellular Pathology), University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust, 2014-2017
PhD Supervision Interests
I am able to accept self funded post graduate research students in the areas of bone health, macro and microscopic anatomy, and anatomy education. Please contact me on rebecca.shepherd@lancaster.ac.uk to discuss a specific area of study for PhD or Master by Research projects.
Using Raman spectroscopy to distinguish between different types of ivory at customs
01/09/2023 → 31/03/2025
Other
How do changes to collagen in the extracellular matrix of osteosarcomas affect cell behaviour
03/07/2023 → 31/08/2023
Research
Using Raman spectroscopy to identify ivory of unknown origin
02/01/2023 → 31/03/2025
Research
Never Explain
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
Light Up Lancaster (November 2018) Inside My Body
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
Bright Club (October 2019) Funny Bones
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
Campus in the City (May 2019) Food to Faeces
Types of Public engagement and outreach - Festival/Exhibition
Morecambe Bay Medical Journal (Journal)
Editorial activity
Faculty of Health and Medicine (Organisational unit)
Membership of committee
Lancaster University (Organisational unit)
Membership of committee
Taylor and Francis (Publisher)
Publication peer-review
Cave Young Investigator
Prize (including medals and awards)
Institute of Biomedical Science President's Prize
Prize (including medals and awards)
Gregor Mendel Medal for Excellence in Biosciences
Prize (including medals and awards)
UK/Russia Bioinspired Materials Conference – Poster Prize Winner
Prize (including medals and awards)
Neil Mackenzie Public Engagement Award
Prize (including medals and awards)
- Experimental Medicine