Staff Profile
Dr Scott Dawson
Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences
I studied an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited degree programme at the University of Bradford and undertook an NHS placement year in Haematology between 2010 and 2011. During this time, I completed the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio and gained a detailed understanding of how diagnostic pathology laboratories in the NHS work. I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Biomedical Science and then completed an MSc (Hons) in Cancer Pharmacology.
Subsequently, I went on to study a PhD in Cancer Research at the University of Huddersfield. The focus of my thesis was the development of novel liquid biopsy methodologies for the detection of pancreatic and bladder cancers. In addition, I have completed a phase I and phase II clinical trial in the fields of pancreatic cancer research (diagnostics) and developing further research projects in bladder cancer diagnostics.
I have delivered taught sessions at York St John University since 2016/17 as a visiting lecturer and was appointed as a lecturer in Biosciences in 2020. I bring with me over 10 years of diagnostic, research and teaching experience in Haematology and Transfusion Science.
- School – School of Science, Technology and Health
- Email – s.dawson@yorksj.ac.uk
- Phone – 01904 876 000
Teaching
I teach students in all years of the Biosciences suite of programmes. I am currently the module leader for:
Level 4
- Biological Molecules and Reactions
Level 5
- Haematology, Immunology and Transfusion Science
I am also involved in other teaching and project supervision:
Level 6
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Research Projects - Investigating whether or not the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents can be increased by inhibiting cellular antioxidant defence mechanisms in different tumour types.
Prior to joining the team at York St John University, I taught across levels 4, 5 and 6 through laboratory based teaching of Genetics, Microbiology and Biochemistry plus lecturing in Haematology and Transfusion Science within universities and the NHS.
Research
My research interests are varied, however primarily focus on the identification of biological markers (biomarkers) and using them to diagnose or monitor different types of cancer from different biofluids. Current projects I am involved in include:
- Bladder cancer diagnostics and monitoring using novel urinary biomarkers (In collaboration with the University of Huddersfield)
- Circulating tumour cell detection and sequencing from blood
I am also interested in pedagogical research and am currently leading a pedagogical study with colleagues at York St John University and Matt Bend (NHSBT) investigating how well our provision of authentic haematological education prepares our students for the workplace and improves employability.
Professional Activities
I am a member of several societies, including:
- The British Society of Haematology
- The European Haematology Association
- Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
I am also currently completing my application for Fellowship of Advance HE.
