Iashia Mulholland is a PhD student from our Wellcome Trust Immunomatrix in Complex Disease PhD Programme based in the Dyer Lab. Read about Iashia’s non-traditional journey into academia, how she realised her love for research and lab work, her work on the endothelial glycocalyx in the context of lung inflammation in the Dyer Lab, and her advice for anyone daunted by the idea of pursuing a PhD.

Please introduce yourself and tell us what inspired you to pursue a PhD here at the Becker?  

I grew up in Salford and during high school enjoyed investigative research and so decided to pursue a career in science. However, coming from a disadvantaged background, there were many challenges and a career in academia appeared unattainable for me at that time. As such, I paused my education following high school for 12 years to raise a family and work as a teaching assistant. As I still had a passion for a career in science, I returned to education at the age of 28 where I undertook a degree in biomedical sciences at The University of Manchester whilst raising my three children. It was during this time that I discovered my fascination for immunology.

During the final year of my BSc, I completed an independent research project in Christoph Ballestrem’s lab and utilised a variety of techniques to investigate the localisation of ECM proteins. This is when I realised my love for research and lab work! As a result, I undertook an MSc in Clinical Immunology whereby I worked with Dr Tara Sutherland to investigate ECM changes in the lung during inflammation. Under Tara’s supervision, we found significant changes in glycans following Th2 inflammation (specifically asthma) which deepened my interest in the complex interplay between immunology, glycobiology and the ECM.

Following my master’s degree, although I still loved research, I was curious about a career in industry. As such, I worked as a scientific project manager and medical writer at Helios Medical Communications. I created PowerPoint presentations and scientific copy for key opinion leaders on an IL-5R antibody (Benralizumab; AstraZeneca ) account for a number of indications.  Although I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of this role I did not find it as rewarding as a career in research. As a result, I applied for the Wellcome Trust ICD PhD programme so that I could combine my love for ECM, glycobiology and immunology research.

Can you tell us about the research you’re working on at the moment?

I’m currently in the final year of my PhD in the Dyer Lab and my research merges glycobiology and immunology to study the role of the endothelial glycocalyx in the context of lung inflammation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding of the endothelial glycocalyx was suggested as a key feature for the development of chronic lung disease and worse outcomes. As a result, I work with Dr Douglas Dyer and Professor Tracy Hussell to investigate the function of glycosaminoglycans, specifically HS, in a mouse model of influenza infection.  My hope is that our work will provide new insights into the role of the endothelial glycocalyx in cell trafficking during lung infection.

What are your career goals?   

My immediate goals are focussed on completing my PhD and facilitating other lab members to successfully complete their projects. Another short-term focus will be to complete a publication of my PhD work and present our findings to the wider immunology and matrix biology community. In the longer term I would like to continue as a researcher and apply for postdoctoral research positions for the development of my career as an independent researcher.

What advice would you give to someone who’s daunted by the idea of pursuing a PhD?

 I think it is important to find a good work/life balance and integrate socially with the lab and wider cohort so that there are layers of support that can be accessed when feeling overwhelmed. It is equally important to form a rapport with supervisors and personal advisors to really cement the level of support that can be obtained. And lastly to remember that pursuing a PhD is a fantastic opportunity to not only succeed academically but to learn about yourself and to enjoy the journey!

What’s your favourite thing about being part of the immunology community at Manchester?

Manchester is a hub of knowledge from within which you can delve into to access unlimited information. I really appreciate working with leading research scientists and getting excited about the work we do here. It is an extremely collaborative place to undertake a PhD and the people are fantastic! I have had such a positive experience and find the social life to be incredible!

And finally, what do you like to do in your spare time? 

 I love to camp and hike with my family, especially in the lake district which is only an hour away from Manchester. Sometimes I will solo camp which is very relaxing and empowering (depending on the weather!). I also like to socialise with my friends and frequently take trips around the UK to visit them. You’ll sometimes find me out for meals and the occasional cinema trips with some of my colleagues from the division too.

Follow Iashia on Twitter (X): @IashiaMulholla1 and Bluesky: @iashiamulholland.bsky.social

Photo: Brian Chan

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