Research case studies
Matt Flynn, Senior Lecturer, Middlesex University Business School
Matt Flynn is a senior lecturer at the Middlesex University Business School and has carried out research for the UK government and EU on age discrimination and retirement. He has addressed a symposium organised by the International Labour Organisation on the business challenge of changing age demographics.
"I came to Middlesex following a fellowship in a research centre which was dedicated to helping employers identify ways to enable older workers to delay retirement. My research now is looking at age diversity from an international perspective: comparing how employers in different countries are preparing for an aging population. I’m now working on research comparing the experience of older workers in the UK, Japan and Germany. One of the most exciting projects in which I am participating involves colleagues here and at Boston College known as the Global Perspectives Initiative. The project brings together academics and employers form around the world to focus on the relationship between age and work, and looks at innovative ways in which employers are making work more fulfilling and enjoyable for people of all ages."
Drupad Trivedi, PhD student
"I chose Middlesex for my PhD as I wanted to continue my study in a multicultural environment. It was this factor that attracted me the most. I was also impressed by the career opportunities that Middlesex has provided PhD graduates in my discipline. It seemed like such a natural transition from my first degree in Biomedical Science in which I achieved first class honours.
My research is now taking shape and I hope to develop a screening test for Down’s syndrome (DS) that is accurate in the early stages of pregnancy.
To achieve this I am currently working on an analytical study of metabolites present in urine, during pregnancy. My hypothesis is that the changes in expression of various metabolites during a normal pregnancy are different than that observed in a DS pregnancy. Based on this, I am using LC-MS/MS/Quadra pole and LC-MS/Trap/TOF forms of mass spectrometry to develop a screening test for DS using urine taken during pregnancy.
I really enjoy my time in the laboratory. The facilities are fantastic and the instruments I work with have extremely high specificity and sensitivity in terms of separating, quantifying and identifying metabolites.
I also enjoy the research seminars and although the number of group presentations required is challenging I do find them enjoyable as well. This is because they gave me an opportunity to apply the knowledge I have gained from my lectures and discuss topical academic fields of thought with my fellow classmates. I am very appreciative of the enthusiasm and vast knowledge my Lecturers and supervisors display. They are easy to approach and always ready to help.
The library at Middlesex is fantastic and has dedicated study areas for Postgraduate students. I made the most of the long opening hours as being a student who worked part-time it was hard to find regular time for studies at home. I got the flexibility I needed from learning at the library and the overall campus experience has been perfect!"
