Shifaan Thowfeequ

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

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 various aspects of mammalian embryogenesis. Since joining the Srinivas group, he has worked on early post-implantation development, primarily focussing on the molecular heterogeneities, changing cellular behaviours and tissue mechanics underlying anterior-posterior axis specification, gastrulation and mesodermal lineage diversification leading up to the formation of the first functional organ—the heart. He utilises single-cell ‘-omics’ approaches, transgenic tools, and high-resolution live imaging technologies to interrogate these processes.

Shifaan’s previous work at Columbia University in New York City and the University of Bath, UK, has included investigating tissue regeneration mechanisms in Xenopus, branching morphogenesis of the mammalian kidney, organogenesis of the liver and pancreas, and developing a model to reprogramme hepatocytes into insulin-secreting beta-like cells.

At Oxford, Shifaan has supervised several MSc and FHS medical students in addition to tutoring undergraduates at Magdalen, Oriel and St Anne’s colleges. Shifaan also takes a keen interest in promoting public understanding and engagement in the sciences.