Gayle Doherty

Gayle Doherty is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Impact at the School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews. She is affiliated with the Centre for Biophotonics and the Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences, reflecting her interdisciplinary research in neuroscience and neurodegeneration.

• BSc in Developmental Biology (1st Class Honours), University of Glasgow
• PhD in Developmental Neurobiology, University of St Andrews

Her research focuses on the molecular signaling pathways that regulate neuronal survival and death during development and ageing. She investigates the neuroprotective effects of leptin and related adipokines, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease and amyloid-beta toxicity. Her work explores how leptin-based peptides can prevent synaptic loss and memory decline, with implications for dementia therapeutics.

Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding leptin’s role in preventing AMPA receptor internalization and neuronal degeneration, as well as innovations in remote patient monitoring through the Automated Remote Pulse Oximetry System (ARPOS). She also contributes to science education through co-curricular lab skills programs.

Her research is supported by grants from Alzheimer's Research UK, The Wellcome Trust, and the Scottish Funding Council. She has led multiple projects focused on neuroprotection, public engagement, and entrepreneurial education.

• Principal Investigator, ARUK: Therapeutic potential of leptin and ghrelin in Alzheimer’s Disease
• Principal Investigator, ISSF6 Doherty (The Wellcome Trust)
• Co-Principal Investigator, Creating Impact through Entrepreneurial Education (CItEE)

She actively supervises postgraduate students and contributes to academic service, including serving on the editorial board of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and organizing neuroscience conferences. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being.