معرفی
Dr. Elizabeth Akam is a Senior Lecturer in Biosciences and a Senior Teaching Fellow within the School of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences. Her career spans academic research, pharmaceutical industry experience, and a strong focus on sports and exercise science. She holds a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Liverpool (awarded the Gibson Sinclair Scholarship thrice) and a PhD from the University of Leicester on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, supported by a Wellcome Prize Scholarship.
Her research interests integrate genetics with health and performance, particularly exploring genetic polymorphisms in sports, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer biology. Notable work includes studies on ACE gene polymorphisms in athletes, CAD risk in South Asian populations, and the role of exercise in modulating cancer progression. She has also contributed to advancements in mesenchymal stem cell cryopreservation and telomere dynamics in endurance athletes.
Her scientific awards include the prestigious Wellcome Prize PhD Scholarship and the undergraduate Gibson Sinclair Scholarship. Research highlights include systematic reviews on combat sport genetics and menstrual cycle effects on rugby performance, alongside studies on the protective effects of endurance exercise against age-associated cancer mechanisms.
Affiliations include the Lifestyle for Health and Wellbeing Research Group. Her work bridges molecular genetics, sports science, and clinical applications, addressing both fundamental and applied health questions through interdisciplinary approaches.
