Emilie O. Paterson
London,UK
Summary
Reproductive immunology PhD candidate specialising in human placental and fetal membrane tissue immunology, with hands-on experience working with clinically derived human samples and immune phenotyping. Working within discovery science, I aim to generate biologically and clinically relevant insights from reproductive tissues, with a strong interest in translating women's health research into practical clinical and therapeutic applications. Passionate about advancing women's health through data-driven, innovative approaches to improving understanding of fertility and pregnancy-related complications.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
PhD Researcher / Research Assistant
Imperial College London
London
2023.06 - 2026.02
- Lead an independent translational research project investigating immune regulation at the maternal–fetal interface, with a focus on decidual macrophages and the initiation of labour.
- Prospectively collect more than 100 clinically derived human placental and fetal membrane tissues by personally identifying, recruiting, and consenting participants on the labour ward, ensuring high-quality samples for downstream tissue immunology analyses.
- Apply a range of tissue immunology techniques to interrogate immune function, including:
Flow cytometry–based immune phenotyping and cell sorting
RT-qPCR for gene expression analysis
ELISA for protein analysis. - Integrate cellular, molecular, and protein-level data to build a functional picture of immune behaviour within maternal reproductive tissues, supporting identification of potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets for labour management.
- Manage laboratory operations, including stock and inventory, grant codes, and coordination with the wider research team.
- Oversee project budgeting and fund allocation for the duration of the PhD.
- Teach and mentor BSc and MSc students, delivering practical training and guidance on laboratory techniques.
- Present research findings through public speaking and scientific communication to diverse audiences
- Contribute to collaborative projects focused on preterm birth and labour, working closely with researchers, clinicians, and charitable funders to support translational research and public-facing engagement around women's health.
Volunteer medical content creator
HerVitality
London / New York
2025.04 - Current
- Develop evidence-based content on reproductive and women's health topics to support accessible education within a mission-driven nonprofit setting.
- Translate scientific research into clear, inclusive material tailored for diverse online audiences.
- Contribute to discussions on strengthening the nonprofit's social media presence and increasing audience engagement as the organisation grows.
- Support HerVitality's mission to advance education and equity in women's health through digital outreach initiatives.
Research Assistant (Clinical Trials)
Imperial College London
, UK
2022.11 - 2023.06
- Coordinated hospital-based clinical research coordination under Professor Paul Matthews, contributing to multiple imaging studies, including a Phase 1 trial with Bristol Myers Squibb.
- Led participant recruitment and onboarding, establishing study enrolment and ensuring smooth initiation.
- Managed reimbursements, patient data, and study documentation in compliance with GCP, ensuring audit-ready datasets.
- Conducted screening visits, appointments, and follow-ups, supporting smooth trial progression and participant retention.
- Updated study results, providing actionable insights to the research team.
MSc Research Project
University of Oxford
Oxford, UK
2022.05 - 2022.07
- Evaluated immune profiles of women with recurrent pregnancy loss by analysing cell populations in endometrial tissue and matched peripheral blood.
- Performed flow cytometry on single-cell suspensions to investigate the peri-implantation immune profile and B cell profile specifically.
- Analysed immune cell populations in relation to patients' number of previous miscarriages, providing insight into the immune profile in recurrent pregnancy loss.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, USA
2019.01 - 2021.05
- Supported research examining mental health stigma within clinical and medical environments.
- Conducted participant screening and contributed to qualitative data transcription and analysis, supporting interpretation of study findings.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Clinical Medicine Research - Reproductive Immunology
Imperial College London
London, England 06/2023 -
Master of Science - Clinical Embryology
Oxford University - St. Edmund Hall
Oxford, England 10/2021 - 10/2022
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, U.S.A 09/2017 - 06/2021
Skills
- Laboratory & Technical: flow cytometry, cell sorting, ELISA, RT-qPCR, cell culture, tissue processing, handling clinically derived human samples
- Data & Analysis: interpretation of cellular, molecular, and protein-level datasets; statistical analysis; data visualization (GraphPad, R, excel, FlowJo)
- Project & Lab Management: budgeting, grant code management, stock/inventory control, coordinating experiments
- Communication & Public Engagement: teaching BSc/MSc students, presenting research, public speaking, translating complex science for non-specialist audiences
- Collaboration & Teamwork: working with clinicians, researchers, nonprofit teams, and funders; coordinating cross-functional projects
- Digital & Content Skills: medical content creation, social media strategy, science communication
- Problem-Solving & Adaptability: troubleshooting experiments, navigating regulatory and ethical requirements, adapting protocols to clinical samples
AWARDS, ENGAGEMENT, PUBLICATIONS
- Research Talk Award, University of Oxford, Department of Women's and Reproductive Health - MSc cohort recipient for outstanding presentation of MSc research, 2022.
- Science Communication & Public Engagement:
Featured in multiple Borne Charity videos, presenting and explaining preterm birth research while working in the lab.
Presented research to high-profile figures, including Princess Beatrice (Borne charity patron) and ITV weather presenter Laura Tobin (Borne charity ambassador), providing lab tours and explanations of findings.
Engaged with major charity donors and the public to communicate the clinical significance of preterm birth research, including an interview with LBC Radio. - Publications: Paterson EO, Short DJ, Male V. Decidual macrophages as therapeutic targets in preterm labour. Trends Mol Med. 2026 Jan;32(1):8-10. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2025.05.013. Epub 2025 Jun 16. PMID: 40527634.
Certification
- Good Clinical Practice (NIHR)
- Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials – Johns Hopkins University
- Springboard Women's Development Programme – Imperial College London
- Basic Life Support (CPD Certification Service)
- Certified Nursing Assistant – American Red Cross
LANGUAGES
English Native
Native
French Fluent
Fluent
Spanish Beginner
Beginner
REFERENCES
Available upon request.
Timeline
Volunteer medical content creator
HerVitality
2025.04 - Current
PhD Researcher / Research Assistant
Imperial College London
2023.06 - 2026.02
Research Assistant (Clinical Trials)
Imperial College London
2022.11 - 2023.06
MSc Research Project
University of Oxford
2022.05 - 2022.07
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Massachusetts Amherst
2019.01 - 2021.05
Doctor of Philosophy - Clinical Medicine Research - Reproductive Immunology
Imperial College London
06/2023 -
Master of Science - Clinical Embryology
Oxford University - St. Edmund Hall
10/2021 - 10/2022
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Massachusetts Amherst
09/2017 - 06/2021