Timothy Humpton
Timothy Humpton
PhD
Reader
Tim obtained Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Chemical-Biological Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2010. During this time, his interest in cancer biology was cemented by formative undergraduate research. Tim obtained his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge in 2014 as a Gates Scholar. His dissertation focused on elucidating the role of reactive oxygen species in promoting pancreatic cancer. As a post-doc at the CRUK Beatson Institute (2014-2021), Tim focused on the biology of p53, a potent tumour suppressor. Here, Tim uncovered protective functions of p53 in the liver and helped to develop new tools to visualise p53 activity.
Tim is particularly interested in uncovering novel protective functions for p53 and other cancer-associated genes during the development of ‘Western’ diet-induced liver disease. Using tools and techniques established within cancer biology, Tim hopes to uncover insights into liver disease that could lead to new preventative treatments and biomarkers to benefit patients. In support of his research, Tim has been awarded funding totalling more than £1 million from the MRC, Academy of Medical Sciences, and Tenovus Scotland.
At GCU, I am excited by the chance to combine an enthusiasm for teaching with pursuit of world-class research.