Shifaan Thowfeequ

Shifaan is a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at Oxford University. Shifaan’s research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving the emergence of form and function during early embryogenesis.

Since joining the Srinivas group, he has worked on early post-implantation development in mammals, primarily focusing on molecular heterogeneities, changing cellular behaviours and tissue mechanics underlying axis specification, gastrulation and mesodermal lineage diversification leading up to the formation of the first functional organ—the heart. Shifaan is also interested in comparative embryology to understand when and how specific developmental mechanisms first evolved. His previous work at Columbia University in New York and the University of Bath, UK, has also included investigating the molecular underpinnings of organogenesis and tissue regeneration.

At Oxford, Shifaan is a lecturer in Clinical Embryology and has supervised several MSc and FHS research students in addition to tutoring undergraduates at Magdalen, Oriel, Trinity and Jesus colleges. Shifaan also takes a keen interest in promoting public understanding and engagement in the sciences.