Samantha Borland

Dr. Samantha Borland is a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Salford, School of Science, Engineering & Environment, where she joined in 2024. She is affiliated with the Biomedical Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) and maintains an Honorary Research Fellow position at the University of Manchester's Division of Cardiovascular Sciences.

Dr. Borland earned her BSc in Pharmacology & Physiology with Industrial Experience (2007-2011) and completed her PhD in the British Heart Foundation 4-year Cardiovascular Medicine programme (2011-2015), both at the University of Manchester. Her doctoral research investigated syndecan 4's role in vascular calcification under Professor Ann Canfield, followed by post-doctoral work examining PKCα signaling.

Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of vascular calcification, particularly the PKCα/TGF-β signaling pathway, with the goal of identifying novel therapies for this condition that currently has no effective treatments. Her lab employs advanced techniques including cell culture, Western blotting, qPCR, X-ray micro-CT, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Recent publications demonstrate her work spans from basic vascular biology to practical educational tools for public engagement.

• Fellow of Higher Education Academy (2021)
• Research Fellow - Honorary position at University of Manchester (2024)
• Multiple presentation awards including Best Poster Prize at British Atherosclerosis Society Meeting (2019)
• British Society for Matrix Biology Travel Bursaries (2013-2014)
• BRIC funding for Outreach Events (2025)

Dr. Borland actively supervises students and serves as an Internal MPhil Examiner. She has secured British Heart Foundation funding for her research on PKC and TGF-β signaling in vascular calcification. Beyond her research, she is deeply committed to public engagement, developing innovative educational activities like 'Build Your Blood' and leading major outreach events at museums and science festivals that have reached thousands of participants. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for ensuring healthy lives and promoting quality education.

Her laboratory focuses on vascular calcification research using multiple techniques to investigate molecular pathways and potential therapeutic interventions. Dr. Borland collaborates extensively within the University of Salford's Biomedical Research group and maintains connections with her previous institution, the University of Manchester.