Emma Haberman
Meet Emma Haberman, a Postdoctoral Scientist and Junior Research Fellow in the Riley and Holländer groups. Emma completed her undergraduate degree in Medical Sciences at the University of Birmingham, and her PhD in Infection Immunology and Translational Medicine in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford. Her research currently focuses on exploring the role of autoimmunity in heart failure, making Emma one of the first researchers to truly connect the IDRM's cardiovascular and immunology themes.
Tell us a little about your current research
Working between the Riley and Holländer groups, I'm studying the role of T cell-mediated autoimmunity in the progression of heart failure after myocardial infarction. In particular, MYH6 (a cardiomyocyte-specific protein) escapes central T cell tolerance induction in the thymus, and as a result triggers cardiac-specific autoimmunity following heart damage. I'm trying to better understand how MYH6 escapes tolerance induction.
What inspired you to pursue this field of research?
I've been interested in how the thymus establishes T cell tolerance since my undergraduate degree, and during my PhD I investigated the role of the immune system in tissue homeostasis. I was particularly interested in this project which combines thymus biology and the role of the immune system in the context of cardiac injury and repair.
What is one of the key moments or discoveries during your research career that made you stop and think ‘this is why I do what I do’?
During my PhD I dissected nerve bundles from adipose tissue and imaged them whole-mount on a confocal microscope, staining for neurons and surrounding perineurial cells. Being able to isolate and visualise the different cell types within nerve bundles was really, really cool.
What has been the most significant challenge you've faced? How did you overcome it and what valuable lessons did you take away from that experience, both personally and professionally?
My PhD was tough. My interest in the topic and a huge amount of support from friends, family and colleagues helped me through it. Now I'm enjoying my work!
How has being a part of the IDRM community helped shape your research and/or career development?
The IDRM community is incredibly helpful and collaborative. It's clear here that everyone tries to help each other to find out some cool stuff!
How do you like to relax and recharge outside of the lab?
Outside of the lab I'm part of an adult synchronised ice skating team based in Basingstoke, with an age range of ~25-60. We're called Ice Age, and are currently training for a competition in London this November. It's a good laugh, and we've actually gotten much better within the last year.
What would be the theme song to your life right now?
It's hard to pick just one song! I've been listening to a lot of Hozier, Arctic Monkeys, Nothing But Thieves and Taylor Swift (shoutout to Susie) recently.