Mouse/rat lines to study sex differences
The following lines are currently available at the University of Oxford:
- Four Core Genotypes (FCG) mouse model
- Sex Chromosome Trisomy (SCT) mouse model
- FCG-like rat model
If you are interested in using these models in your research please get in touch with me.
Vestibulo-cochlear organ reconstruction from MRI
Kamila Szulc-Lerch
Senior Research Associate
- OxCIN MRI Graduate Programme Deputy Director
- Principal Investigator
I obtained my MSc in Physiology and Neuroscience and PhD in Biomedical Imaging from New York University. My doctoral work focused on developing and applying novel preclinical MRI approaches to studies of brain development using mouse models of human neurodevelopmental disorders. In my studies I used the cerebellum as a model system for quantitative analysis of patterning processes taking place at early postnatal stages.
Following my PhD, I undertook postdoctoral training, funded by a fellowship from Brain Canada and Kids Brain Health Network, at the Hospital for Sick Children and the Mouse Imaging Centre in Toronto. During this period, I worked on projects exploring the potential of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions to promote brain repair in children with brain tumours. I also worked with preclinical rodent models of radiation and hypoxia-ischaemia induced brain injury.
I joined the University of Oxford in the summer of 2019 to build my research programme in preclinical imaging of post-stroke brain recovery. I am principal investigator (PI) on a John Fell Funded study investigating sex differences in stroke recovery using novel Four Core Genotype (FCG)-like rat model. This project is run in collaboration with Art Arnold, Yvonne Couch, Thomas Okell, David Bannerman and Stuart Peirson.
In addition to my preclinical work, I have a strong interest in using big data in clinical neuroscience. I am PI on a UK BioBank project investigating the impact of metformin treatment on brain structure and function. More information about the project can be found here. In collaboration with Novo Nordisk, we have recently also begun examining the impact of obesity, a major risk factor for stroke, on the brain.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS
Quin Yuhui Xie (Novo Nordisk-Oxford Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Oxford Co-supervisors: Jason Lerch and Rogier Mars, Novo Nordisk Co-supervisors: Giorgio Caratti and Chenxi Qin)
D.PHIL STUDENTS
Myrto Lavda (DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Co-supervisors: Yvonne Couch and Heidi Johansen-Berg)
Tien Ho (DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Co-supervisors: Rogier Mars and Daniel Anthony)
M.SC./FHS STUDENTS
Tran Quan (MSc in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience, University of Oxford)
D.PHIL PROJECTS / RESEARCH PLACEMENTS
To inquire about available placements, please email: kamila.szulc-lerch@ndcn.ox.ac.uk and include your CV along with a letter of intent describing your research interests. More information about the DPhil programme in Clinical Neurosciences at NDCN can be found here.
ALUMNI
Nourhane Boudechicha (Visiting Summer Student, MSc in Neuroscience, Aix-Marseille University)
Hannah Davis (FHS, University of Oxford)
Eugenio Graceffo (MSc in Neuroscience, University of Oxford)
Tien Ho (MSc in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience, University of Oxford; *currently DPhil student in Clinical Neurosciences at Oxford)
Emily Moore (MSc in Neuroscience, University of Oxford)
Claire Park (MSc in Neuroscience, University of Oxford)
Tran Quan (Visiting Summer Student, Constructor University; *currently MSc student in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience at Oxford)
Katie Thompson (MSc in Neuroscience, University of Oxford)
David Zavaleta Rivera (Visiting Summer Student, Undergraduate, UC San Diego)
NEWS AND UPDATES
2025 OxCIN/BRC Seed Grants announced
Two of our project were awarded funding to support scanning and research costs:
- Structural correlates of stress resilience in mice
- Effect of rodent brain perfusion fixation protocols on MRI microstructure and histology
2025 Pre-clinical Patient and Public Involvement project
Excited to be part of the wider project team for "Developing resources for public involvement in animal research”.
2024 Vice-Chancellor's Awards
Proud to be part of the “Your Amazing Brain: A University and Regional Museum Partnership” project team - shortlisted for the Vice-Chancellor's Award in the Research Engagement category and awarded the Highly Commended distinction.
2023 NDCN DEPARTMENT AWARD FOR TEACHING
Grateful to be recognised for contributions to the MRI Graduate Programme with the Departmental Award for Teaching.
- Methodology for Registration-Based Analyses of Mouse Brain Development
- PDF document 1.4 MB
Detailed description of the image registration approaches used to create the 4D atlas of mouse brain development (Szulc et al., 2015).
EVENTS OF INTEREST
7th UK Preclinical Stroke Symposium, 8 & 9 September 2025, Keble College, University of Oxford (Organising Committee: Yvonne Couch, Paul Holloway and Kamila Szulc-Lerch)
