MrsAbigail Goodship

I am a PhD student researching the interplay between immunology and reproductive endocrinology, under the supervision of Dr Viki Male and Dr Bryn Owen. I am passionate about collaborating across disciplines and using translational research to address the gender health gap and improve the lives of women worldwide.

My doctoral research investigates how the immune response affects the menstrual cycle. I am combining laboratory techniques, such as cytokine assays and hormone profiling, with big data analysis to explore how proinflammatory cytokines affect reproductive hormones. This multidisciplinary approach aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying post-vaccination menstrual changes and to assess the impact of autoimmune diseases on menstrual health.

As part of the MultiSci MRC DTP, I completed an MRes in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, where I learnt computational methods to analyze large datasets and applied my findings to inform policymakers. Prior to my PhD, I obtained an MSc in Reproductive and Developmental Biology from Imperial College London, which solidified my passion towards addressing the gender health gap. Additionally, I hold a BA in Cell and Systems Biology from the University of Oxford, where I specialised in Endocrinology and Developmental Biology.

I also have experience in research outside the context of academia, having researched health-seeking behaviours in menopause for a start-up and worked at a life sciences consultancy. These experiences have deepened my passion for pursuing research that connects with industry and public health organizations, facilitating the effective translation of scientific discoveries into real-world solutions.