Dr Tianyi Zhang

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

t.zhang.9@bham.ac.uk

Scientific Background

Research Interests

The incredible diversity of cell types in multicellular organisms arises from the precise control of gene expression, a process that governs cellular development, identity, and function. Eukaryotes which store DNA in the form of chromatin have evolved an additional layer of control, in which transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin modifying factors shape the chromatin state to activate or repress gene expression. Disruption of these epigenetic mechanisms is a hallmark of many diseases, particularly cancer, where TFs and chromatin regulators are recurrently mutated and epigenetic dysregulation is common even in the absence of genetic alterations. I鈥檓 really interested in understanding how gene regulatory and chromatin-based mechanisms control cell fate decisions, and how these processes become rewired in disease.

Scientific Inspiration

Since childhood, my fascination for science has been nurtured by science writers including Stephen Jay Gould, Barry Lopez, Matt Ridley, Alice Roberts and Helen Scales, whose works captured both the beauty of the natural world and the excitement of discovery.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: open, curiosity-driven, and collaborative.

Provision of Training

I will take responsibility for your technical training at the start of your PhD, setting you up for more independence in later years. I expect students to be curious problem-solvers who will take an active role driving your research direction. As this is a young group, I welcome ambitious and independent thinkers who will help shape our lab culture and scientific direction.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I want to work together to establish clear mutual expectations and milestones. We will meet weekly at the start of your project and then as needed as your PhD work progresses. I am invested in your development as a researcher and encourage you to share your ideas, ambitions, and areas in which you would like to grow scientifically.

Communication

I expect you to maintain clear and professional communications with team members, especially when planning work involving multiple researchers. I may send emails at odd hours that are convenient for me, but I don't expect you to respond outside your normal working hours.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response 1 or 2 days per week.

Work Patterns

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Project Title

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Project Title

Secondary Supervisor(s):

University of Registration:

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare, Microbial Food Safety, Plant and Crop Science)
Renewable Resources and Clean Growth (Bio-energy, Industrial Biotechnology)
Understanding the Rules of Life (Immunology, Microbiology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, Plant Science, Soil Science, Stem Cells, Structural Biology, Systems Biology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Ageing, Diet and Health, Pharmaceuticals, Regenerative Biology)

Project Outline

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Co-supervisor on a project / projects with

海角社区

Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership

Dr Tianyi Zhang

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Research Interests

Scientific Inspiration

Provision of Training

Progression Monitoring and Management

Communication

Meetings

Work Patterns

Notice Period for Feedback

MIBTP Project Details

Project Title

Project Outline