Dr Jeni Harper

After completing a BA in Natural Sciences (Biochemistry) at the University of Cambridge in 2002, Jeni Harper started a Wellcome Trust sponsored, 4 year MRes and PhD programme at Imperial College London.  During the MRes year she studied; heat shock proteins in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis; receptors that have been implicated in the interactions between the immune system, nervous system and Nippostrongylus Brasiliensis during chronic infection and; modification of dendritic cells for the induction of tolerance to alloantigens. 

Jeni pursued her interest in immunology with a PhD entitled "Genetic manipulation of murine dendritic cells to inhibit expression of costimulatory molecules: A cell-based strategy to induce tolerance" (PhD awarded May 2009).  Whilst writing up her PhD, Jeni started her current post as Teaching Support Demonstrator and Administrator for the MSc. Immunology course in the Section of Immunobiology, Division of Immunity and Inflammation.  In this role she is the course administrator and demonstrator.  In her administrative role she deals with the day to day administration for the course including contacting and assisting course applicants, ensuring lecture materials are available for the students, maintaining the course website and the students' online learning webpages.  As the course demonstrator, Jeni teaches practical techniques to the course's 25-35 students during eight, 1-3 day practicals.  In addition to teaching practical techniques in the laboratory, Jeni gives lectures about practical techniques and leads several data interpretation classes during the academic year.  Outside of her MSc. Immunology course responsibilities, Jeni works in the laboratory of Dr Nicola Rogers, researching the molecular, cellular and genetic bases of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.  

Towards the latter part of 2010 Jeni was additionally appointed as the administrator for the MSc. Molecular Medicine course.  In this position she works with Dr Michael Jones to assist him with the running of the Molecular Medicine course.