ISTM

Current Research

The main focus of Professor Dobson's research falls into four broad categories (i) nanomagnetic actuation for mechanical conditioning and control of cellular functions for regenerative medicine and stem cell research, (ii) enhanced in vitro and in vivo gene delivery and expression, (iii) magetic nanoparticle-loaded cellular carriers for tumor targeting and tissue repair and (iv) magnetic nanoparticle synthesis and characterization. The underlying theme of all this work is the novel use of magnetic nanoparticles to develop technologies for bionanotechnology and nanomedicine applications in fields as diverse as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, tumour targeting and regenerative medicine. In addition, Professor Dobson also co-ordinates a large, multi-national research programme (funded by the EPSRC, RCUK, US National Institute of Health and the US National High Magnetic Field Laboratory) developing imaging and characterization techniques for iron compounds in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, to inform the development of MRI-based early diagnostic techniques and to guide the development of chelation therapies.

Follow the link to the Keele Research Group in Magnetism and Magnetic Materials Techniques

Selected Publications:

• Dobson, J (2008) Nanomagnetic actuation: remote control of cells. Nature Nanotechnology 3:  139-143.
• Dobson, J (2006) Magnetic nanoparticle-based, non-viral gene delivery. Gene Therapy 13: 283-287.
  
• Dobson, J, SH Cartmell, A Keramane, AJ El Haj (2006) A magnetic force mechanical conditioning bioreactor for tissue engineering, stem cell conditioning and dynamic in vitro screening. IEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience 5: 173-177.
  
• Collingwood, JF, A Mikhailova, M Davidson, C Batich, WJ Streit, J Terry, J Dobson (2005) In-situ characterization and mapping of iron compounds in Alzheimer’s tissue. Journal of Alzhiemer’s Disease 7: 267-272.
  
• Pankhurst, QA, J Connoly, SK Jones, J Dobson (2003) The underlying physics of biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics 36:167-181.

Career history:

B.Sc. and M.Sc. - University of Florida
PhD - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH-Zurich

ISTM research themes:

• Bioengineering & Therapeutics
• Neuroscience & Human Metabolism

Prof. Jon Dobson's Research Group for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials Techniques:

OVERVIEW

The main focus of our research falls into five broad categories (i) nanomagnetic actuation for mechanical conditioning and control of cellular functions for regenerative medicine and stem cell research, (ii) enhanced in vitro and in vivo gene delivery and expression, (iii) magetic nanoparticle-loaded cellular carriers for tumor targeting and tissue repair, (iv) magnetic nanoparticle synthesis and characterization. The underlying theme of all this work is the novel use of magnetic nanoparticles to develop technologies for bionanotechnology and nanomedicine applications in fields as diverse as gene therapy, stem cell therapy, tumour targeting and regenerative medicine and (v) investigations of iron compounds related to neurodegenerative diseases.

NANOMAGNETIC ACTUATION

In this work, magnetic nanoparticles are being used to target and manipulate cellular processes and functions and to control stem cell differentiation, primarily through the activation of ion channels. Magnetic nanoparticles are coated with a functionalizable polymer (such as silica, PVA, or dextran) to which antigens are bound. These antigens may target either specific ion channels, such as the TREK-1 potassium channel, or more non-specific receptors such as surface integrins. By applying a static or time-varying magnetic field, forces exerted on the particles activate either specific ion channels or general membrane and cytoskeleta deformation activates adjacent mechanosensitive ion channels, initiating biochemical processes within the cell.

GENE TRANSFECTION

With the sequencing of the human genome and the advent of gene therapy has come the need to develop effective delivery and transfection agents. These agents must be able to target therapeutic and reporter genes to the relevant cells and organs both in vitro for basic investigations as well as in vivo for therapeutic applications. Recent safety concerns over the use of viral vectors has begun to shift the emphasis toward the development of non-viral delivery agents, primarily cationic lipids. Professor Dobson’s group has been working on the development of a novel magnetic nanoparticle-based gene transfection system based on oscillating arrays of magnets. We have now built a prototype of the system. In these magnefect systems, DNA is attached to magnetic nanoparticles and oscillating arrays of magnets placed underneath a Petri dish (in the case of in vitro transfection) are used to stimulate particle uptake and gene expression and to drastically reduce transfection time. Prototype systems have been shown to improve in vitro transfection efficiency (up to 10x) in human airway epithelial cells compared to static magnet systems and, depending on the transfection time, up to 100x compared to “gold standard” cationic lipids during test runs. We are also working on the developoment of novel magnet arrays to improve efficiency.

MAGNETIC CELL TARGETING AND HYPERTHERMIA

The aim of this work is to load cells with biocompatible magnetic nanoparticle and re-introduce them into the body, using magnets to target them to repair sites or tumours. Human mesenchymal stem cells have been successfully targeted to wound sites in a mouse model. A variation on the technique uses magnetic nanoparticle-loaded human macrophages to target these cells to the non-vascularized, hypoxic cores of solid tumours. Once there, the cells deliver a payload of cytotoxic compounds or “suicide” genes. Once the drug or therapeutic gene has been delivered, AC electromagnetic fields are used to heat the particles, destroying the macrophages before they build a new blood supply to the tumour core.

MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION

Professor Dobson’s group is also active in the development of techniques for the synthesis of novel magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications. This work focuses on producing particles with enhanced magnetic properties or surface chemistry, as well as investigating new methods for enhanced DNA loading. Techniques such as High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy and Superconducting Quantum Interference Device magnetometry are used for characterization of the particles.

IRON COMPOUNDS AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE

We have a large, international research programme aimed at developing imaging and characterization techniques for iron compounds in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, to inform the development of MRI-based early diagnostic techniques and to guide the development of chelation therapies. This work involves MRI signal validation using synchrotron x-ray analysis as well as investigations of iron compounds and their magnetic properties using Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometry. This work is conducted in collaboration with the US National High Magnetic Field Laboraotry at the University of Florida, the Advanced Photon Source Synchrotron at Argonne National Laboratory and the DIAMOND synchrotron in Oxfordshire.

An automated list of all Prof Dobson's publications will appear here shortly.

2008

Dobson, J (2008) Remote control of cellular behavior with magnetic nanoparticles. Nature Nanotechnology 3: 139-143.

Pankhurst, QA, D Hautot, N Khan, J Dobson (2008)  Increased levels of magnetic iron compounds in Alzheimer’s disease. J. Alzheimer’s Disease 13: 49-52.

Fuller, MD and J Dobson (2007) Biomagnetism. In: Encyclopedia of Geomagnetism & Paoleomagnetism, (Eds. D Gubbins & E Herrero-Brevera) Springer, New York. In Press.

Collingwood, JF & J Dobson (2008) Nanoscale iron compounds related to neurodegenerative disorders. In: Biomedical Nanostructures, (Eds.) KE Gonsalves, CT Laurencin, C Halberstadt & LS Nair . John Wiley & Sons, New York.

Lin, MM, AJ El Haj, J Dobson, DK Kim (2008) Development of superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIONS) for translation to clinical applications. IEEE Trans. NanoBiosci. In Press. [Invited Review]

Li, S, MS Toprak, YS Jo, J Dobson, DK Kim, M Muhammed (2008) Novel bulk synthesis of transparent and homogeneous polymeric hybrid materials with ZnO quantum dots and PMMA. Advanced Materials.(2007), 19, 4347

McBain, S, HPP Yiu, J Dobson (2008) Magnetic nanoparticles for drug and gene delivery. Int. J. Nanomed. 3: 1-12. [Invited Review]

Collingwood, JF, RKK Chong, T Kasama, RE Dunin-Borkowski, G Perry, M Posfai, S Siedlak, ET Simpson, MA Smith, J Dobson (2008) Three-dimensional tomographic imaging and characterization of iron compounds within Alzheimer’s plaque core material. J. Alzheimer’s Disease In Press.

Hughes, S, S McBain, J Dobson, AJ El Haj (2008) Selective activation of mechanosensitive ion channels using magnetic particles. J. Royal Soc. Interface In Press.

2007

Hautot, D, QA Pankhurst, CM Morris, A Curtis, J Dobson (2007) Preliminary observation of elevated levels of nanocrystalline iron oxide in the basal ganglia of neuroferritinopathy patients. BBA – Mol. Basis Dis. 1772: 21-25.

Dobson, J (2007) A brief overview of toxicological aspects and applications of nanoparticles in paediatric respiratory disease. Paediatric Respiratory Reviews 8: 62-66.

Dobson, J (2007) Magnetic properties of biological materials. In: Handbook of biological effects of electromagnetic fields: Bioengineering & Biophysical Aspects of Electromagnetic Fields, 3rd edition (Eds. S Barnes & B Greenebaum) Taylor & Francis/CRC Press, Boca Raton. pp. 101-113.

McBain, SC, HHP Yiu, AJ El Haj, J Dobson (2007) DNA delivery using polyethyleneimine (PEI) coated iron oxide-silica mesostructured particles. Studies in Surface Science & Catalysis 165: 869-872.

McBain, SC, HPH Yiu, AJ El Haj, J Dobson (2007) Polyethylenimine-functionalized iron-oxide nanoparticles as agents for DNA delivery and transfection. J. Mater. Chem. 17: 2561-2565.

Oakley AE, JF Collingwood, J Dobson, G Love, HR Perrott, JA Edwardson, M Elstner, CM Morris (2007) Single neuron analysis identifies raised iron in parkinson’s disease. Neurology 68: 182-1825.

Kim, DK, YS Jo, J Dobson, AJ El Haj, M Muhammed (2007) Nanomaterials for controlled release of anticancer agents, In: Nanomaterials for Cancer theraphy and Diagnosis, CSSR Kumar (ed.) Wiley-VCH. 168-198.

Castellani RJ, PI Moreira, G Liu, J Dobson, G Perry, MA Smith, X Zhu (2007) Iron: The redox-active center of oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease. Neurochem. Res. 32: 1640-1645.

Hughes, S, J Dobson, AJ El Haj (2007) Magnetic targeting of mechanosensors in bone cells for tissue engineering applications. J. Biomechanics 40: S96-S104.

Kirkham, GR, KJ Elliot, M Knight, A Kermane, B Akhtar, DM Slater, J Dobson, AJ El Haj, S Cartmell (2007) Electrophysiological responses of HMSCs and bone cells to magnetic particle tagging. Tissue Eng. 13: 1684

Sura, HS, J Magnay, J Dobson, AJ El Haj (2007) Gene expression in stem cells following stimulation using magnetic particle technology. Tissue Eng. 13: 1699.

Sura, HS, J Dobson, AJ El Haj (2007) Targeting stem cells transfected with magnetic nanoparticles in a flow system. Tissue Eng. 13: 1760.

Dobson, J and JF Collingwood (2007) Reply to Comments on “Characterization and mapping of iron compounds of iron in Alzheimer’s tissue”. J. Alz. Disease 11: 469-470.

Yiu, HHP, SC McBain, AJ El Haj, J Dobson (2007) A triple-layer design  for polyethyleneimine-coated, nanostructured magnetic particles and their use in DNA binding and transfection. Nanotechnology 18: 435601 (6pp).

2006

Dobson, J (2006) Magnetic nanoparticle-based gene delivery. Gene Therapy 13: 283-287. [Invited Review]

Khan, A, Dobson, J, C Exley (2006) The redox cycling of Fe(II) by A-beta42. Free Rad. Biol. & Med. 40: 557-569.

Hughes, S, J Magnay, M Foreman, S Publicover, J Dobson, AJ El Haj (2006) Expression of mechanosensitive 2PK+ channel TREK-1 in human osteoblasts. J. Cellular Physiol. 206: 738-748.

Collingwood, JF and J Dobson (2006) Mapping and characterization of iron compounds in Alzheimer’s tissue. J. Alz. Dis. In Press. [Invited Review]

Gabriel, C and J Dobson (2005) Magnetic properties of biological materials. In: Handbook of biological effects of electromagnetic fields, 3rd edition (eds. B Greenebaum & F Barnes) CRC Press. [Invited Review]

Dobson, J (2006) Magnetic nanoparticles for drug delivery. Drug Devel. Res. In Press. [Invited Review]

Fuller, MD and J Dobson (2005) Biomagnetism. In: Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series, E Herrero-Brevera (ed.) Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherlands. In Press. [Invited Review]

Kim, DK, YS Jo, J Dobson, AJ El Haj, M Muhammed (2006) Nanomaterials for controlled release of anticancer agents” in “Nanomaterials for Cancer theraphy and Diagnosis”, C Kumar (ed.) Wiley-VCH. In Press.

Dobson, J and A El Haj. Culturing tissue using magnetically generated mechanical stress. Patent Pending (Application No. WO 02/051985 – Filed: 2000; New Zealand Patent No. 526,533 – issued 2005).

El Haj, AJ and J Dobson. Method of magnetically manipulating a cell with magnetizable particles. Patent Pending (Application No. WO 2004/00369 – Filed: 2002).

El Haj, AJ and J Dobson. Conditioning of stem cells. Patent Pending (Application No. WO 2005/059118 – Filed: 2003).

Dobson J, S McBain, A Karemane, CD Batich (2005) Gene Delivery. UK Patent Pending (Application No. 0508110.4).

2005

Mikhailova, A, M Davidson, JET Channel, Y Guyodo, C Batich, J Dobson (2005) Detection, Identification and Mapping of Iron Anomalies in Brain Tissue Using X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy. J. Royal. Soc. Interface 2: 33-37.

Collingwood, JF, A Mikhailova, M Davidson, C Batich, WJ Streit, J Terry, J Dobson (2005) In-situ characterization and mapping of iron compounds in Alzheimer’s tissue. J. Alzhiemer’s Disease 7: 267-272.

Brem, F, AM Hirt, C Simon, HG Wieser, J Dobson (2005) Characterization of magnetic iron compounds in tumor tissue from temporal lobe epilepsy patients using low temperature magnetic methods. BioMetals 18: 191-197.

Fuller, MD, J Dobson (2005) On the significance of the time constants of manifestations of magnetic field sensitivity in animals. Bioelectromagnetics 26: 234-237.

Cartmell, SH, A Keramane, G R Kirkham, S B Verschueren, J L Magnay, A J El Haj, J Dobson (2005) Use of magnetic particles to apply mechanical forces for bone tissue engineering purposes. J Phys. Conf. Ser. 17: 77-80.

Hautot, D, QA Pankhurst, J Dobson (2005) Superconducting quantum interference device measurements of dilute magnetic materials in biological samples. Rev. Sci. Instr. 76: 045101.

Gossuin, Y, D Hautot, RN Muller, Q Pankhurst, J Dobson, C Morris, P Gillis, J Collingwood (2005) Looking for magnetite in brain ferritin using NRM relaxometry. NMR in Biomedicine 18: 469-472.

Collingwood, JF, A Mikhaylova, MR Davidson, C Batich, WJ Streit, T Eskin, J Terry, R Barrera, J Dobson (2005) High-resolution x-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of metal compounds in neurodegenerative brain tissue. J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 17: 54-60.

Hughes, S, AJ El Haj, J Dobson (2005) Magnetic micro- and nanoparticle mediated activation of mechanosensitive ion channels. Medical Engineering & Physics 25: 754-762. [Invited Review]

Hughes, S, A El Haj, J Dobson, B Martinac(2005) The influence of static magnetic fields on mechanosensitive ion channel activity in artificial liposomes. Eur. Biophys. J. 34: 461-468.

Cartmell, SH, J Magnay, AJ El Haj, J Dobson (2005) A novel mechanical conditioning regime for tissue engineered constructs. J. Exper. Pathol. 86: A38.

Brem, F, AM Hirt, C Simon, HG Wieser, J Dobson (2005) Low temperature magnetic analysis of iron compounds from human brain tumor tissue. J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 17: 61-64.

Beyhum, W, D Hautot, J Dobson, QA Pankhurst (2005) Magnetic biomineralisation in Huntington’s transgenic mice. J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 17: 50-53.

Kirkham, GR, KJ Elliot, A Keramane, DM Salter, J Dobson, AJ El Haj, SH Cartmell (2005) Changes in membrane potential of human osteoblasts and chondrocytes in response to novel magnetic particle-based force application technique. Eur. Cells & Mater. 10: 50.

Yiu, HPH, J Dobson, AJ El Haj (2005) Internalization of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles into human cells with the use of DOTAP as a transfecting agent. Vienna Magnetics Group Report, H Pfutzner & E Leiss (eds.) pp 14-15. ISBN 3-902105-00-1.

Yiu, HPH, AJ El Haj, J Dobson (2005) Novel iron oxide-silica nanostructured particles for cell biology. Vienna Magnetics Group Report, H Pfutzner & E Leiss (eds.) pp 176-177. ISBN 3-902105-00-1.

Tan, W, S Santra, Z Peng, R Tapec, J Dobson (2005) Method for identifying cells. US Patent No. 6,924,116.

2004

Dobson, J (2004) Magnetic iron compounds in neurological disorders (Invited Review). Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1012: 183-192.

Dobson, J and C Batich (2004) A Potential Iron-Based Mechanism for Enhanced Deposition of Amyoid Plaques Due to Cognitive Stimulation in Alzheimer's Disease. J. Neuropath. & Exper. Neurol. 63: 674-675.

Cranfield, CG, A Dawe, V Karloukovski, RE Dunin-Borkowski, D de Pomerai, J Dobson (2004) Biogenic magnetite in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biol. Lett. 271: S436–S439 [DOI 10.1098/rsbl.2004.0209].

Verschueren, S, HG Wieser, J Dobson (2004) Preliminary analysis of the effects of DTX mobile phone emissions on the human EEG. Proceedings of the 3rd International Workshop on the Biological Effects of EMFs Kos, Greece, (Ed. P. Kostarakis) pp. 704-712, ISBN: 960-233-152-6.

2003

Hautot, D, QA Pankhurst, N Kahn, J Dobson (2003) Preliminary evaluation of nanoscale biogenic magnetite and Alzheimer's disease. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biology Letters 270: S62-S64.

Pankhurst, QA, J Connoly, SK Jones, J Dobson (2003) Applications of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine (Invited Review). Journal of Physics D 36: R167-R181.

Pardoe, H, W Chua-anusorn, TG St. Pierre, J Dobson (2003) Detection limits for ferrimagnetic particle concentrations using magnetic resonance imaging-based proton transverse relaxation rate measurements. Physics in Biology and Medicine 48: 89-95.

Cranfield, CG, HG Wieser, JM Al Madan, J Dobson (2003) Evaluation of ferromagnetic transduction mechanisms for mobile phone bioeffects. IEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience 2: 40-43.

Cranfield, CG, HG Wieser, J Dobson (2003) Exposure of magnetic bacteria to simulated mobile phone type RF radiation has no impact on mortality. IEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience 2: 146-149.

Cartmell, SH, J Magnay, J Dobson, AJ El Haj (2003) Effects of mechanical force application on 3D bone tissue engineered constructs using magnetic microparticles. European Cells and Materials 6 (Supp. 2): 7.

Hughes, S, J Dobson, AJ El Haj (2003) Mechanical stimulation of calcium signaling pathways in human bone cells using ferromagnetic microparticles: Implications for tissue engineering. European Cells and Materials 6 (Supp. 2): 43.

Dobson, J, C Cranfield, J Al Maddan, HG Wieser (2003) Cell mortality in magnetite-producing bacteria exposed to GSM radiation. In: Electromagnetic Compatibility (Supplement), G. Meyer (Ed.). Communication Technology Laboratory Publishers, Zurich, Switzerland, pp. 293-296. ISBN 3-9521199-8-9.

Tan, W, S Santra, Z Peng, R Tapec and J Dobson (2003) Coated nanoparticles. US Patent No. 6,548,264.

2002

Dobson, J (2002) Investigation of Age-related Variations in Biogenic Magnetite Levels in the Human Hippocampus. Exper. Brain Res. 144: 122-126.

Mah C, TJ Fraites, I Zolotukhin, SH Song, TR Flotte, J Dobson, C Batich, BJ Byrne (2002) Improved method of recombinant AAV2 delivery for systemic targeted gene therapy. Molecular Therapy 6: 106-112.

Cartmell, SH, J Dobson, S Verschueren, AJ El Haj (2002) Preliminary analysis of magnetic particle techniques for activating mechanotransduction in bone cells. IEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience. 1: 92-97.

Dobson, J, Z Stewart, B Martinac (2002) Preliminary Evidence for Weak Magnetic Field Effects on Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Sub-conducting States in E. coli. Electromagnetic Biol. & Med. 21: 89-95.

Martinac B, A Raso, Z Stewart Z, J Dobson (2002) Magnetic field effects on the activity of bacterial mechanosensitive (MS) channels. Biophysical Journal 82: 1296.

Dobson, J, B Gross, C Exley (2002) Role of magnetic iron oxides in beta-amyloid aggregation. Neurobiol Aging 23 (Suppl. 1): 395.

Dobson, J, C Batich, M Davidson, A Mikhailova (2002) High-resolution iron mapping in brain tissue. Neurobiol Aging 23 (Suppl. 1): 470.

Dobson, J (2002) Nanoscale iron oxides and neurodegenerative diseases. Neurobiol Aging 23 (Suppl. 1): 513.

Cartmell, SH, J Dobson, S Verschueren, S Hughes, AJ El Haj (2002) Mechanical conditioning of bone cells in vitro using magnetic microparticle technology. Eur. Cells & Mat. 4 (Supp.2): 130-131.

Dobson, J and AJ El Haj (2002) Theory and applications of a magnetic force bioreactor. Eur. Cells & Mat. 4 (Supp.2): 42-44.

Hirt, A, L Lanci, J Dobson, P Weidler, A Gehring (2002) Low temperature magnetic properties of lepidocrocite. J. Geophys. Res. 107: 5.1-5.9.

2001

Dobson, J (2001) Nanoscale biogenic iron oxides and neurodegenerative disease. FEBS Lett. 496: 1-5. (Absract and pdf)

Dobson, J (2001) On the structural form of iron in ferritin cores associated with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Alzheimer's disease. Cell. Mol. Biol. [OL]47: 49-50.

Pardoe, H, W Chua-anusorn, TG St. Pierre, J Dobson (2001) Structural and magnetic properties of nanoscale magnetic particles synthesised by coprecipitation of iron oxide in the presence of dextran or polyvinyl alcohol. J. Magn. Magn. Mat. 225: 41-46.

Dobson, J (2001) Dantrolene Modulates the Influence of Steady Magnetic Fields on Hippocampal Evoked Potentials In Vitro - Comment. Bioelectromagnetics 22: 216.

Dobson, J, B Gross, C Exley, A Mickhailova, C Batich, H Pardoe (2001) Biomedical Applications of Biogenic and Biocompatible Magnetic Nanoparticles. In: Modern Problems of Cellular and Molecular Biophysics. Eds. S Ayrapetyan and A North. 121-130.

Santra, S, R Tapec, N Theodoropoulou, J Dobson, A Hebard, W Tan (2001) Synthesis and characterization of silica-coated iron oxide nanorparticles in microemulsion: the effect of non-ionic surfactants. Langmuir 17: 2900-2906.

2000

Dobson, J, TG St. Pierre, PP Schultheiss-Grassi, HG Wieser, N Kuster (2000) Analysis of EEG Data From Weak-Field Magnetic Stimulation of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients. Brain Res. 868: 386-391. - (Abstract)

St. Pierre, TG and J Dobson (2000) Theoretical evaluation of ion channel activation by applied magnetic fields. European Biophys. J. 29: 455-456. - (Abstract)

Dobson, J, TG St. Pierre, M Fuller, S Moser, HG Wieser (2000) Changes in Paroxysmal Brainwave Patterns of Epileptics by Application of DC Magnetic Fields. Bioelectromagnetics 21: 94-99. - (Abstract)

Mah, C, I Zolotukhin, TJ Fraites, J Dobson, C Batich, BJ Byrne (2000) Microsphere-mediated delivery of recombinant AAV vectors in vitro and in vivo. Molec. Therapy 1(5): S239.

Dobson, J (2000) Nanoscale bioferrites in Alzheimer's disease. Clin. Neuropsych. Assess. 1(6): S29.

Stewart, Z, B Martinac and J Dobson (2000) Evidence for mechanosensitive transmembrane ion channels of small conductance in magnetotactic bacteria. Electro- and Magnetobiol. 19: 81-89. - (Abstract)

Zergenyi, RS, AM Hirt, S Zimmerman, J Dobson, W Lowrie (2000) Low-temperature magnetic behaviour of ferrihydrite. J. Geophys. Res. 105 (B4): 8297-8303.

1999

Dobson, J, TG St. Pierre, H Pardoe, PP Schultheiss-Grassi (1999) Experimental and theoretical evaluation of the interactions of biogenic magnetite with electromagnetic fields. In: Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine, Ed. S. Bersani. Plenum, New York: 401-404.

Schultheiss-Grassi, PP, R Wessiken and J Dobson (1999) TEM observation of biogenic magnetite extracted from the human hippocampus. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1426: 212-216. - (Abstract)

Schultheiss-Grassi, PP and J Dobson (1999) Magnetic analysis of human brain tissue. BioMetals 12: 67-72. - (Abstract)

Schultheiss-Grassi, PP, J Dobson, HG Wieser, N Kuster (1999) Magnetic properties of the heart, spleen and liver: Evidence for biogenic magnetite in human organs. In: Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine Ed. S. Bersani. Plenum, New York: 529-532.

Pardoe, H and J Dobson (1999) Magnetic iron biomineralization in rat brains: Effects of iron loading. BioMetals 12: 77-82 - (Abstract)

Wells, MA, RW Fitzpatrick, RJ Jilkes, J Dobson (1999) Magnetic properties of metal-substituted hematites. Geophys. J. Int. 138: 571-580.

Dobson, J, H Chen, F Heller (1999) Triassic paleomagnetic results from the Huanan Block, SE China. Phys. Earth & Planet. Int. 112: 203-210.

1998

Dobson, J, HG Wieser, M Fuller (1998) Method and apparatus for inducing and localizing epileptiform activity. U.S. Patent No. 5,743,854.

Dobson, J and PP Schultheiss-Grassi (1998) Preliminary Evaluation of the Magnetic Properties of Rat Brain Tissue: Implications for Models of Human Interactions With Weak Electromagnetic Fields. J. Biochem., Molec. Biol., & Biophys.1/4: 247-251.

Dobson, J and TG St. Pierre (1998) Microwave radiation effects on biogenic magnetite particles and circuits in the human brain: Theoretical evaluation of cellular phone safety aspects. Electro & Magnetobiol. 17: 351-359. - (Abstract)

Li, ZX, J Dobson, Z Chen, WJ Chang, TG St. Pierre (1998) Multimodal investigation of thermally induced changes in magnetic fabric and magnetic mineralogy. Geophys. J. Int. 135: 988-999.

1997

Schultheiss-Grassi, PP, F Heller and J Dobson (1997) Analysis of magnetic material in the human heart, spleen and liver. BioMetals 10: 351-355. - (Abstract)

Bernasconi, S, J Dobson, S JA McKenzie, D Ariztegui, F Niessen, Y Chen, Q Yang (1997) Preliminary Isotopic and paleomagnetic evidence for Younger Dryas and Holocene climate evolution in NE Asia. Terra Nova 9: 246-250.

Chen, HH, J Hao, W Xiao, D Zhong, F Heller and J Dobson (1997) A tentative apparent polarwander path for the Shan-Thai-Malay Block, SW Yunnan, China. J. Cont. Dynamics 2: 47-53.

Chen, HH, J Dobson, F Heller, J Hao (1997) Preliminary paleomagnetic results from the Upper Carboniferous of the Uliastai Block, Inner Mongolia, China. Geophys. Res. Lett. 24: 2833-2836.

1996

Dobson, J and P Grassi (1996) Magnetic properties of human hippocampal tissue: Evaluation of artefact and contamination sources. Brain Res. Bull. 39: 255-259. - (Abstract)

Dobson, J and T St. Pierre (1996) Application of the Ferromagnetic Transduction Model to D.C. and Pulsed Magnetic Fields: Effects on Epileptogenic Tissue and Implications for Cellular Phone Safety. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 227: 718-723. - (Abstract)

Ariztegui, D and J Dobson (1996) Magnetic Investigations of Framboidal Greigite Formation: A Record of Anthropogenic Environmental Changes in Eutrophic Lake St. Moritz, Switzerland. The Holocene 6: 104-110.

Chen, HH, DL Zhong, F Heller and J Dobson (1996) Paleomagnetic results from the Upper Silurian of the Shan-Thai-Malay Block, Southwest Yunnan, China. Geophys. Res. Lett. 23: 3405-3408.

1995

Dobson, J, M Fuller, S Moser, HG Wieser, JR Dunn and J Zoeger (1995) Evocation of epileptiform activity by weak D.C. magnetic fields and iron biomineralization in the human brain. In: Biomagnetism: Fundamental Research and Clinical Applications Eds: C Baumgartner, L Deecke, G Stroink, SJ Williamson, Elsevier/ISO Press, Amsterdam: 16-19. - (Abstract)

Dunn, JR, M Fuller, J Zoeger, J Dobson, F Heller, E Caine, BM Moskowitz (1995) Magnetic material in the human hippocampus. Brain Res. Bull. 36: 149-153. - (Abstract)

Fuller, MD, J Dobson, HG Wieser and S Moser (1995) On the sensitivity of the human brain to magnetic fields: Evocation of epileptiform activity. Brain Res. Bull. 36: 155-159. - (Abstract)

Chen, H, J Dobson, F. Heller and J. Hao (1995) Paleomagnetic evidence for clockwise rotation of the Baoshan Block since the Cretaceous: A consequence of India-Asia collision. Earth Planet.Sci.Lett. 134: 203-217.

Heller, F, H Chen, J Dobson and M Haag (1995) Permian-Triassic magnetostratigraphy - New results from south China. Physics Earth Planet.Int. 89: 281-295.

Wieser HG, Dobson JP, Fuller MD (1995) Evocation Of Epileptiform Activity By Weak Direct-Current Magnetic-Fields And Iron Biomineralization In The Human Brain. Epilepsia 36(3): S81.

Teaching Profile

In 2001 I implemented a new course in the M.Sc. programme in Biomedical Engineering at Keele University. This new course, Magnetic Biomaterials, also employed computer-assisted teaching and demonstrating methods. All material for this course is available on CD ROM.

From 1995 through 1998 I coordinated and designed the curriculum for a new degree programme in biophysics together with two other lecturers at the University of Western Australia (UWA). During that time, I taught second year, third year and honors courses in the program and received very favorable evaluations from the students at all levels. Each year since beginning the programme our student numbers increased and we had positive reviews from the students and staff of the university, as well as an excellent evaluation from our external reviewer. During that time, I also coded and maintained the programme's web site and developed and employed computer-assisted teaching methods in several of the classes.

Courses Taught:

2001 - Present

Interim Biomedical Engineering M.Sc. Course Co-ordinator (2002-2004)

• Magnetic Biomaterials (M.Sc. Course)

1998

Third Year Biophysics course coordinator
Honors student supervision (2 students)
PhD student supervision (2 students)

• Physics 140 (Waves & Optics - 165 students)

• Biophysics 314 (Electricity & Magnetism - including electromagnetic nature of the brain and nervous system)

• Biophysics 248 (Iron Biomineralization and Bioelectromagnetics)

• Environmental Biophysics (2nd year & honors)

1997

Third Year Biophysics course co-ordinator
Engineering Geology/Geomechanics course coordinator
Honors student supervision (2 students)
PhD student supervision (1 student)

• Biophysics 314 (Electricity & Magnetism - including electromagnetic nature of the brain and nervous system)

• Environmental Biophysics (2nd year & honors)

• Biophysics 248 (Iron Biomineralization and Bioelectromagnetics)

• Engineering Geology/Geomechanics (2nd year)

1996

Co-supervision of 3rd year biophysics project on electron microscopy
Biophysics course co-ordinator
Engineering Geology/Geomechanics course coordinator
PhD student supervision (2 students)

• Biophysics 314 (Electricity & Magnetism - including electromagnetic nature of the brain and nervous system)

• Biophysics 248 (Iron Biomineralization and Bioelectromagnetics)

• Engineering Geology/Geomechanics (2nd year)

1995

Biophysics course coordinator

• Biophysics 248 (Iron Biomineralization and Bioelectromagnetics)

• Environmental Magnetism (3rd year)

• Introductory Geophysics (2nd year)

Current Research Funding:

The U.S. National Institutes of Health
Collaborators: Dr. C Exley (Keele), Dr. C Batich & Dr. M Davidson (University of Florida)
"Nanoscale Iron Phases in Neurodegenerative Diseases"

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
"Use of magnetic nanoparticles and macrophages to target two novel therapies to hypoxic areas of tumours: A combined biological and mathematical study"

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Collaborator: Prof. AJ El Haj (Keele)
"Development of magnetic nanoparticle strategies for manipulation and activation of stem cells in vitro and in vivo"

The Royal Society and The Wolfson Foundation
"Research Merit Award"

The UK Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium
"Delivery of Therapeutic Genes to the Lung via Magnetic Nanoparticle Targeting"

The UK Alzheimer's Society
Fellowship support (Dr. J. Collingwood) and Research Expenses

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
Collaborator: Prof. HG Wieser (University Hospital - Zurich) and Dr. AM Hirt (ETH-Zurich)
"Magnetic Properties of Brain Tissue Related to Epilepsy"

Australian Research Council
Collaborator: Assoc. Prof. Boris Martinac (University of Western Australia)
"The role of mechanosensitive channels in magnetoreception studied in bacteria"

Past Research Funding:

The Wellcome Trust - Sir Henry Wellcome Showcase Award
Collaborator: Prof. AJ El Haj (Keele)
"Development of a therapeutic technique for activation of mechanosensitive ion channels using magnetic micro- and nanoparticle cytometry"

North Staffordshire Research and Development Consortium
"An improved magnetic force bioreactor for tissue engineering"

North Staffordshire Medical Institute
Collaborator: Dr. Paul Hoban (Keele)
"Investigation of the effects of mobile-phone type emissions on gene expression and mutation in astrocytes: Testing the ferromagnetic transduction hypothesis"

Swiss National Science Funds
Collaborator: Prof. HG Wieser (University Hospital - Zurich)
"Clinical applications of magnetic stimulation of focal epilepsy"

The Royal Society (United Kingdom)
"Magnetic Drug and Gene Delivery"

Reserach Foundation for Mobile Communication (Switzerland)
Collaborator: Prof. HG Wieser (University Hospital - Zurich)
"Examination of the effects of low frequency cell phone emissions on EEG-recorded brain electrical activity"

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Collaborator: Prof. AJ El Haj (Keele)
"Imaging magnetic micro- and nanoparticle-mediated activation of mechanosensitive transmembrane ion channels"

UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
"Development of a novel magnetic force bioreactor"

UK Medical Research Council (MRC) - Collaboration with the Department of Physics, University College London
"Magnetic biomineralization in the brain: A possible early diagnostic of neurological disorders"

EPSRC - Collaborative Network led by Dr. QA Pankhurst (University College London)
"Nanomagnetism network: clusters, particles and grains"

Hereditary Diseases Foundation (U.S.)
Collaborators: Dr. QA Pankhurst, Dr. C Davie and Dr. D Hautot (University College London)
"The role of magnetic biomineralization in Huntington's disease: magnetometry studies using a transgenic animal model"

Reserach Co-operation for Sustainable Mobile Communication (DiAx/Sunrise Telecommunications, AG) (Switzerland) - Collaboration with University Hospital, Zurich
"A Ferromagnetic Transduction Mechanism for Radio Frequency Bioeffects"

North Staffordshire Hospital Medical Institute
"Development of Enhanced Methods of Magnetically Targeted Drug and Gene Delivery"
"Laboratory Equipment Funds, 2001"

University of Florida BME Seed Fund - Collaboration with University of Florida Biomedical Engineering Program
"Dynamical responses of epileptogenic vs. non-epileptogenic human cerebral cortex to weak magnetic stimuli"

Univ. of Florida Opportunity Fund - Collaboration with the Biomedical Engineering Program and Geological Sciences (UF)
"Genesis, Characterization and Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles"

Australia Research Council - Collaboration with Department of Pharmacology, University of Western Australia (UWA)
"Effects of weak magnetic fields on the activity of mechanosensitive bacterial ion channels"

Australian Research Council - Collaboration with Biophysics Programme (UWA)
"Evaluation of the effects of biogenic magnetite on MRI artefacts in human brain images"

Swiss National Science Funds - Joint application: Departments of Neurology (Univ. Hospital - Zurich), Electrical Engineering (ETH) , Geophysics (ETH) and the Biophysics Programme (UWA)
"Experimental and clinical neuromagnetic studies and iron biomineralization in the human brain"

Australian Research Council
"Iron biomineralization and experimental and theoretical neuromagnetic studies"

Australian Research Council
"Biophysics experimental facility start-up grant"

Australia Research Council - Joint application: Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Geology & Geophysics and the Research Center for Advanced Minerals and Materials Processing
"Funding for a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometer"

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH-Zürich) Research Funds - Joint application: Departments of Neurology (Univ. Hospital - Zurich), Electrical Engineering (ETH) and Geophysics (ETH).
"Iron biomineralization and experimental and clinical neuromagnetic studies"

Sanolfi-Winthrop Epilepsy Foundation (Zürich)
"Clinical neuromagnetic studies of focal epilepsy"

 

Invited Talks and Presentations:

Invited Lecture:
US Food & Drug Administration / UK Royal Society of Medicine Conference on “Gene Therapy: State of the Art” (2005)
"Magnetic Gene Therapy Vectors"

Invited Lecture:
Bose Corporation / Enduratec Bioreactor Technology Forum (2005)
"Development of Mechanical Conditioning Bioreactors Based on Magnetic Nanoparticle Technology"

Invited Lecture:
International Conference on Fine Particle Magnetism (2004)
"Magnetic Iron Biominerals and Neurodegenerative Disease"

Invited Lecture:
Tissue and Cell Engineering Society [Nanomed/Magnanomed] (2002)
"Biological and Biocompatible Nanomagnets"

Invited Lecture:
The 14th International Zurich Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility (2001)
"A Ferromagnetic Transduction Mechanism for Radio Frequency Bioeffects"

Invited Lecture:
The 4th Joint UK Magnetics Workshop (2001)
"Biomedical Applications of Biological and Biocompatible Nanomagnets"

Invited Lecture:
U.N.E.S.C.O. & World Health Organization (W.H.O.) - Yerevan, Armenia (2000)
Workshop on Cellular Mechanisms of Beneficial and Harmful Effects of Electromagneic Fields
"Interactions of applied electromagnetic fields with biogenic and biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles"

Keynote Lecture:
BrainFair 2000 - Zurich, Switzerland (2000)
"Athermal Effects of Weak Electromagnetic Fields on Biogenic Magnetite in the Human Brain"

Invited Poster and Oral Presentation:
The Gordon Research Conference on Bioelectrochemistry - Oxford, England (2000)
"The Influence of Electromagnetic Fields and Biomagnetic Materials on Electrical Activity in Cells"

Invited Lecture:
Australian Institute of Physics 13th National Congress (1998)
"Effects of Weak-Field Magnetic Stimulation of EEG-Recorded Brainwave Activity in Epileptics"

Invited Lecture:
Bioelectromagnetic Compatibility Workshop - Sydney, Australia (1995 & 1998)
"Biological Magnets and Environmental Electromagnetic Fields" (1998)
"Magnetic properties of human brain tissue & the effects of magnetic fields on EEG-recorded brain wave activity" (1995)

Keynote Address:
Australasian College of Physicists and Engineers in Biology and Medicine (1998)
Public Forum on the Health Effects of Mobile Phones
"Effects of Environmental Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Human Health: An Overview"

Keynote Lecture:
Australasian College of Physicists and Engineers in Biology and Medicine (1997)
"Experimental and Theoretical Evaluation of the Interactions of Biogenic Magnetite with Electromagnetic Fields"

Departmental Seminars:

• Cambridge University, Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy (2005)
• University of Exeter, Department of Physics (2005)
• University of Lancaster, Centre for Environmental Magnetism (2005)
• Imperial College, London, Gene Therapy Department (2003)
• University of Nottingham, Centre for Mathematical Medicine (2001)
• University of Warwick, Department of Physics (2001)
• King's College London, Department of Neuroscience (2001)
• University College London, Department of Physics (2000)
• University of Florida, Biomedical Engineering Program (1999)
• Georgetown University, Department of Physics (1998)
• University of Western Australia, Department of Pharmacology (1998)
• University of Western Australia, Department of Anatomy & Human Biology (1997)
• University of Zurich, Department of Physics (1997)
• University of Western Australia, Department of Physiology (1996)
• Max Planck Institutes & Tech. Univ. Munich (Biology & Geophysics) (1995)
  

Awards, Patents and Professional Associations

• Royal Society-Wolfson Foundation Research Merit Award [2004-2008]
• Sir Henry Wellcome Showcase Award (Wellcome Trust) [2002-2004]
• Teaching and Research Fellowship Award - University of Western Australia [1995 - 1998]
• Vice President: Sigma Gamma Epsilon National Earth Sciences Honors Society, U.F. Chapter [1985 - 1986]
  

• U.S. Patent No. 5,743,854: Method and Apparatus for Inducing and Localizing Epileptiform Activity [Patent Awarded, 1998]
• U.S. Patent No. 6,548,264: Coated Nanoparticles [Patent Awarded, 2003]
• U.S. Patent No. 6,924,116: Method for Identifying Cells [2005]
• US, EU/UK and PCT Patent Pending No. WO 02/051985 and GB01/05606: Culturing tissue using magnetically generated mechanical stress [Applied, 2000]
• EU/UK Patent Pending No. 0214209.9: Magnetic Nanoparticles as Ion Channel Agonists [Applied, 2002]
• US, EU/UK Patent Pending No. 0329610.7: Magnetic methods for mechanical conditioning of stem cells [Applied, 2003]
• UK Patent Pending No. 0508110.4: Gene Delivery [Applied, 2005]

• EDITORIAL BOARD - IEEE Transactions on NanoBioScience [2002 - Present]
• EDITORIAL BOARD - American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias [2004 - Present]
• EDITORIAL BOARD - Journal of Alzheimer's Disease [2005 - Present]
• EDITORIAL BOARD - Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine (Marcel Dekker, publisher) [2001 - Present]
• INTERNATIONAL REVIEWERS PANEL - Medical Science Monitor [2003 - Present]
• American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS): Member [2002 - Present]
• Bioelectrochemical Society: Member [2001 - Present]
• U.K. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Nanomagnetics Network: Founding Member [2000 - Present]
• Biophysical Society: Member [1998 - Present]
• Elected Member - EPSRC Peer Review College [2002 - Present]
• American Institute of Physics/American Geophysical Union: Member [1987 - Present]
• Bioelectromagnetics Society: Member [1995 - 1999

Prof. Jon Dobson's Research Group for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials Techniques

Research Group members:

Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows:

Dr. Neil Farrow: PhD - California Institute of Technology

Dr. Joanna Collingwood: PhD - University of Warwick (EPSRC Life Sciences Interface and RCUK Fellow)

Dr. Michael Clements: PhD – University of Oxford

Dr. Lamyaa Abbas: PhD – Cairo University

VISITING FACULTY:

Professor Chris Brazel – Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Alabama

Current Students:

Angeliki Fouriki - PhD studies in Biomedical Engineering - Keele University

Lorna Sykes - PhD studies in Biomedical Engineering - Keele University

Harpal Sura - PhD studies in Biomedical Engineering - Keele University (Co-Supervisor)

Former Students and Postdocs:

: PhD - University of Liverpool
Current Position: Reader in Materials, Manchester University and Honorary Lecturer in Tissue Engineering, Keele University

Dr. Charles Cranfield: PhD - Swinburne University, Australia
Current Position: Max Planck, Jena, Germany

Dr. Ayesha Khan: PhD - Imperial College London
Current Position: Scientific Liaison Officer, Alzheimer’s Society (UK)

Dr. Stuart McBain: PhD – Keele University
Current Position: Teaching Fellow, Keele University

Dr. Humphrey Yiu: PhD – Huddersfield University
Current Position: Postdoctoral Scientist, University of Liverpool  

Dr. Dimitri Hautot: PhD - University of Missouri, USA (collaboration with UCL)

Dr. Ahmed Keramane: PhD - University of Genoble (INPG)

Stephen Hughes - PhD in Biomedical Engineering: 2006 - Keele University (Co-Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "The use of magnetic particles in tissue engineering: Selective activation of the mechanosensitive ion channel TREK-1" Current Position: Postoctoral Scientist, Oxford University

Sarah Verscheuren - PhD in Biomedical Engineering: 2006 - Keele University (Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "Optimisation of Magnetic Particle Teqniques for a Bone Tissue Bioreactor/Clinical application of magnetic stimulation of focal epilepsy" Current Position: Scientific Management Consultant, Ghent, Belgium

Glen Kirkham- PhD in Biomedical Engineering: 2007 - Keele University (Co-Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "Applying Forces to Human Osteoblasts and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using a Novel Magnetic Particle Technique" Current Position: Postoctoral Scientist, Nottingham University

Franziska Brem - PhD in Natural Sciences: 2006 - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH-Zurich (Co-Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "Magnetic characterization of iron phases in human brain tissue: Applications to epileptic and tumor tissue"
Current Position: Research Scientist, Zurich, Switzerland

Riyad Al Shaqi – M. Phil in Biomedical Engineering: 2006 – Keele University (Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "Examination of low frequency (2Hz & 8 Hz) effects on magnetotatic bacteria and magnetite-loaded astrocytes"

Fahad Al Gohani – M. Phil in Biomedical Engineering: 2006 – Keele University (Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "Examination of RF effects on magnetite-loaded astrocytes and magnetotatic bacteria"

Brooks Gross - M.Phil. in Biomedical Engineering: 2002 - Keele University (Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "Biogenic and biocompatible magnetic micro- and nano-particles: Development of a drug and gene delivery system and the study of a possible role in Alzheimer's disease"
Current Position: PhD Studies - Oakland University (Michigan, USA)

Abdulrahman Al Shuail - M.Sc.in Biomedical Engineering: 2002 - Keele University (Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "Analysis of a Novel Method for Enhanced Drug Delivery in Magnetic Targeting Systems"

Jaffar Al Madan - M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering: 2002 - Keele University (Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "Experimental Examination of Ferromagnetic Transduction Models & Design of a Magnetic Coil System for Cell Phone Bioeffect Studies"
Current Position: Biomedical Engineer, Saudi Arabia

Yi Liu - MSc in Biomedical Engineering: 2003 - Keele University (Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "Simulated Magnetic Targeting for Drug and Gene Delivery"
Current Position: PhD Studies – Queens College University of London

Paola Schultheiss-Grassi - PhD in Physical Sciences: 1998 - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH-Zurich (Co-Supervisor) Thesis Title: "Iron Biomineralization in Organic Tissue and the Effects of Weak DC Magnetic Field Stimulation on Human Brainwave Activity" Current Position: Scientist, Swisscom, Zurich, Switzerland

Zoe Stewart - B.Sc. Honors in Biophysics: 1998 - The University of Western Australia (Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "The Effects of Magnetic Fields on the Activity of Bacterial Mechanosensitive Ion Channels"

Nikki Caswell - B.Sc. Honors in Biophysics: 1998 - The University of Western Australia (Supervisor)
Thesis Title: "The Effects of Strong Static Magnetic Fields on Cell Growth"

Heath Pardoe - B.Sc. Honors in Biophysics: 1997 - The University of Western Australia (Supervisor
Thesis Title: "Evaluation of the Magnetic Properties of Rat Brain Tissue and Electron Microscopy Investigations of Human Brain Tissue