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Staff Profiles

Dr Kerry Thompson

BSc,PhD

Contact Details

Research Fellow
ANATOMY
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
University of Galway
E: kerry.thompson@universityofgalway.ie
 
researcher
 

Biography

Kerry Thompson is a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative funded Imaging Scientist Fellow in the Anatomy Imaging and Microscopy Facility (AIM) and a Lecturer in Anatomy, School of Medicine. In 2021, she was awarded 3.3m by Science Foundation Ireland to develop a Centre of Excellence in Multimodal Microscopy using high end imaging systems, including bringing volume electron microscopy technology to Ireland for the first time.

Her current work focuses on the establishment of digital pathology and histology workflows and AI led analysis, along with the implementation of correlative and multimodal microscopy and imaging techniques and technology development to assist multidisciplinary teams. To complement this, she assists with the development and provision of graduate training programmes in Microscopy and Imaging. Kerry serves as a co-chair for the Global Bioimaging Working group on Career Paths for Imaging Scientists. The group recently published a white paper on career development, pathways and progression for Imaging Scientists and Core Facility Staff.  

In 2010 she was awarded her PhD for a microscopy heavy research project which focused on structure function relations in the human endometrium. In 2011 she began work as a Postdoctoral Microscopy Facility Scientist in the Centre for Microscopy and Imaging (CMI) in NUI Galway and was a key member in its establishment. In the 2014/2015 academic year Kerry acted as a project lead in the Under the Microscope Programme, which brought Microscope Activity Kits from the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) into Irish Primary Schools for the first time. Following this Kerry was elected on the Outreach & Education Committee of the RMS. With the support of both the RMS and the Microscopy Society of Ireland, the team continue to visit schools all over Ireland and partake in outreach events. In 2018 she was elected as Honorary Secretary of Outreach and Education of the RMS. In 2020, she was awarded funding by CZI to work as a dedicated Imaging Scientist and Research Fellow to Develop a National Centre for Doctoral Training in Microscopy.  

Research Interests

                         
Histology and Digital Pathology workflows and analysis 
Cell Biology - Epithelial Cell Polarity, Structure Function Relationships 
Correlative and multimodal microscopy techniques
The Art and Science Interface
Public engagement and promotion of STEM activities using Microscopy in Primary School Education 

Research Projects

  Project Start Date End Date
Developing a National Center for Doctoral Training in Microscopy 03-MAY-21

Peer Reviewed Journals

  Year Publication
(2023) 'Centrosome amplification promotes cell invasion via cell-cell contact disruption and Rap-1 activation'
Prakash A, Paunikar S, Webber M, McDermott E, Vellanki SH, Thompson K, Dockery P, Jahns H, Brown JAL, Hopkins AM, Bourke E. (2023) 'Centrosome amplification promotes cell invasion via cell-cell contact disruption and Rap-1 activation'. Journal Of Cell Science, [DOI] [Details]
(2024) 'Mesenchymal stromal cells from people with osteoporosis are fewer, and defective in both osteogenic and adipogenic capacity'
Cassidy, FC; Shortiss, C; Thompson, K; Soriano Arroquia, A; Murphy, CG; Kearns, SR; Curtin, W; Goljanek-Whysal, K; O¿Brien, T; Coleman, CM (2024) 'Mesenchymal stromal cells from people with osteoporosis are fewer, and defective in both osteogenic and adipogenic capacity'. Exploration of Musculoskeletal Diseases, [Details]
(2016) 'Functional imaging for regenerative medicine Functional imaging in regenerative medicine'
Leahy, M. and Thompson, K. and Zafar, H. and Alexandrov, S. and Foley, M. and O'Flatharta, C. and Dockery, P. (2016) 'Functional imaging for regenerative medicine Functional imaging in regenerative medicine'. Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 7 (1) [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2020) 'Novel Pt(IV) prodrugs displaying antimitochondrial effects'
Tabrizi, L.; Thompson, K.; Mnich, K.; Chintha, C.; Gorman, A.; Morrison, L.; Luessing, J.; Lowndes, N.; Dockery, P.; Samali, A.; Erxleben, A. (2020) 'Novel Pt(IV) prodrugs displaying antimitochondrial effects'. Molecular Pharmaceutics, [Details]
(2022) 'A cellular and molecular analysis of SoxB-driven neurogenesis in a cnidarian'
Chrysostomou, E; Flici, H; Gornik, SG; Salinas-Saavedra, M; Gahan, JM; McMahon, ET; Thompson, K; Hanley, S; Kilcoyne, M; Schnitzler, CE; Gonzalez, P; Baxevanis, AD; Frank, U (2022) 'A cellular and molecular analysis of SoxB-driven neurogenesis in a cnidarian'. eLife, 11 [DOI] [Details]
(2021) 'Stromal cells promote matrix deposition, remodelling and an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment in a 3D model of colon cancer'
Leonard NA, Reidy E, Thompson K, McDermott E, Peerani E, Tomas-Bort E, Balkwill FR, Loessner D, Ryan AE (2021) 'Stromal cells promote matrix deposition, remodelling and an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment in a 3D model of colon cancer'. Cancers, 13 (23) [Details]
(2016) 'Rapamycin regulates autophagy and cell adhesion in induced pluripotent stem cells'
Sotthibundhu, A;McDonagh, K;von Kriegsheim, A;Garcia-Munoz, A;Klawiter, A;Thompson, K;Chauhan, KD;Krawczyk, J;McInerney, V;Dockery, P;Devine, MJ;Kunath, T;Barry, F;O'Brien, T;Shen, S (2016) 'Rapamycin regulates autophagy and cell adhesion in induced pluripotent stem cells'. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 7 [DOI] [Details]
(2017) 'An investigation of cell growth and detachment from thermoresponsive physically crosslinked networks'
Healy, D,Nash, M,Gorleov, A,Thompson, K,Dockery, P,Rochev, Y (2017) 'An investigation of cell growth and detachment from thermoresponsive physically crosslinked networks'. Colloids And Surfaces B-Biointerfaces, 159 :159-165 [DOI] [Details]
(2017) 'Functional studies on the role of Notch signaling in Hydractinia development'
Gahan, JM,Schnitzler, CE,DuBuc, TQ,Doonan, LB,Kanska, J,Gornik, SG,Barreira, S,Thompson, K,Schiffer, P,Baxevanis, AD,Frank, U (2017) 'Functional studies on the role of Notch signaling in Hydractinia development'. Developmental Biology, 428 :224-231 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Rapamycin regulates autophagy and cell adhesion in induced pluripotent stem cells'
Sotthibundhu, A,McDonagh, K,von Kriegsheim, A,Garcia-Munoz, A,Klawiter, A,Thompson, K,Chauhan, KD,Krawczyk, J,McInerney, V,Dockery, P,Devine, MJ,Kunath, T,Barry, F,O'Brien, T,Shen, S (2016) 'Rapamycin regulates autophagy and cell adhesion in induced pluripotent stem cells'. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 7 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Film Thickness Determines Cell Growth and Cell Sheet Detachment from Spin-Coated Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) Substrates'
Dzhoyashvili, NA,Thompson, K,Gorelov, AV,Rochev, YA (2016) 'Film Thickness Determines Cell Growth and Cell Sheet Detachment from Spin-Coated Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) Substrates'. Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces, 8 :27564-27572 [DOI] [Details]
(2017) 'Nanometer-scale physically adsorbed thermoresponsive films for cell culture'
Healy, D,Nash, M,Gorelov, A,Thompson, K,Dockery, P,Belochapkine, S,Madden, J,Rochev, Y (2017) 'Nanometer-scale physically adsorbed thermoresponsive films for cell culture'. International Journal Of Polymeric Materials And Polymeric Biomaterials, 66 :221-234 [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Functional imaging for regenerative medicine'
Leahy M, Thompson K;Zafar H;Alexandrov S;Foley M;O'Flatharta C;Dockery P (2016) 'Functional imaging for regenerative medicine'. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 7 (1) [DOI] [Details]
(2016) 'Impaired recognition memory and cognitive flexibility in the rat L5-L6 spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain'
Moriarty, O,Gorman, CL,McGowan, F,Ford, GK,Roche, M,Thompson, K,Dockery, P,McGuire, BE,Finn, DP (2016) 'Impaired recognition memory and cognitive flexibility in the rat L5-L6 spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain'. Scandinavian Journal Of Pain, 10 :61-73 [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2015) 'Inefficiency in macromolecular transport of SCS-based microcapsules affects viability of primary human mesenchymal stem cells but not of immortalized cells'
Sanz-Nogués C;Horan J;Thompson K;Howard L;Ryan G;Kassem M;O'Brien T; (2015) 'Inefficiency in macromolecular transport of SCS-based microcapsules affects viability of primary human mesenchymal stem cells but not of immortalized cells'. Journal Of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 103 (11) [DOI] [ARAN Link] [Details]
(2016) 'Decoy receptors block TRAIL sensitivity at a supracellular level: the role of stromal cells in controlling tumour TRAIL sensitivity'
O'Leary, L,van der Sloot, AM,Reis, CR,Deegan, S,Ryan, AE,Dhami, SPS,Murillo, LS,Cool, RH,de Sampaio, PC,Thompson, K,Murphy, G,Quax, WJ,Serrano, L,Samali, A,Szegezdi, E (2016) 'Decoy receptors block TRAIL sensitivity at a supracellular level: the role of stromal cells in controlling tumour TRAIL sensitivity'. Oncogene, 35 :1261-1270 [DOI] [Details]
(2015) 'Distinct mechanisms underlie oral vs aboral regeneration in the cnidarian Hydractinia echinata'
Bradshaw, B,Thompson, K,Frank, U (2015) 'Distinct mechanisms underlie oral vs aboral regeneration in the cnidarian Hydractinia echinata'. eLife, 4 [DOI] [Details]
(2014) 'NADPH oxidase complex-derived reactive oxygen species, the actin cytoskeleton, and Rho GTPases in cell migration'
Stanley A, Thompson K, Hynes A, Brakebusch C, Quondamatteo F (2014) 'NADPH oxidase complex-derived reactive oxygen species, the actin cytoskeleton, and Rho GTPases in cell migration'. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 20 (13):2026-2042 [DOI] [Details]
(2013) 'Functionalization of the living diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii with thiol moieties'
Lang, Y,del Monte, F,Collins, L,Rodriguez, BJ,Thompson, K,Dockery, P,Finn, DP,Pandit, A (2013) 'Functionalization of the living diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii with thiol moieties'. Nature Communications, 4 (2683) [DOI] [Details]
(2012) 'Predicting and avoiding subcellular compartmentalization artifacts arising from acetoxymethyl ester calcium imaging probes. The case of fluo-3 AM and a general account of the phenomenon including a problem avoidance chart'
Thompson K, Dockery P, Horobin RW (2012) 'Predicting and avoiding subcellular compartmentalization artifacts arising from acetoxymethyl ester calcium imaging probes. The case of fluo-3 AM and a general account of the phenomenon including a problem avoidance chart'. Biotechnic & Histochemistry, 87 (7):468-483 [DOI] [Details]
(2012) 'Predicting and avoiding subcellular compartmentalization artifacts arising from acetoxymethyl ester calcium imaging probes. The case of fluo-3 AM and a general account of the phenomenon including a problem avoidance chart'
Thompson, K,Dockery, P,Horobin, RW (2012) 'Predicting and avoiding subcellular compartmentalization artifacts arising from acetoxymethyl ester calcium imaging probes. The case of fluo-3 AM and a general account of the phenomenon including a problem avoidance chart'. Biotechnic & Histochemistry, 87 :468-483 [DOI] [Details]

Book Chapters

  Year Publication
(2019) 'Identifying Nanotoxicity at the Cellular Level Using Electron Microscopy'
Kerry Thompson, Alanna Stanley, Emma McDermott, Alexander Black, Peter Dockery (2019) 'Identifying Nanotoxicity at the Cellular Level Using Electron Microscopy' In: Toxicity of Nanomaterials Environmental and Healthcare Applications. Boca Raton: Taylor and Francis. [DOI] [Details]

Conference Publications

  Year Publication
(2016) Neuroscience Ireland Young Neuroscientists Symposium
Jarrin S, Okine BN, Thompson K, Ruane T, Naughton C, Dowd E, Pandit A, Roche M, Finn DP (2016) The effects of optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic neurons in the rat anterior cingulate cortex on locomotor activity and nociceptive behaviour Neuroscience Ireland Young Neuroscientists Symposium Dublin, Ireland, [Details]
(2017) 8th Annual Scientific Meeting organised by the College of Anaesthetists Faculty of Pain Medicine
Jarrin S, Okine BN, Thompson K, Ruane T, Naughton C, Dowd E, Pandit A, Roche M, Finn DP (2017) The effects of optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic neurons in the rat anterior cingulate cortex on locomotor activity and nociceptive behaviour 8th Annual Scientific Meeting organised by the College of Anaesthetists Faculty of Pain Medicine [Details]
(2016) 10th World Biomaterials Congress
Thomas, D., Marsico, G., Thirumaran, A., Lukasz, B., Thompson, K., Dockery, P., Rodriguez, B., Marchetti-Deschmann, M., O'Brien, T. and Pandit, A. (2016) A Shape-controlled Tunable Microgel Cell Delivery Platform for Low-dose Delivery of Primed Stem Cells for In Vivo Therapeutic Neovascularization 10th World Biomaterials Congress [Details]
(2016) Neuroscience Ireland Young Neuroscientists Meeting
Jarrin, S., Okine, B.N., Thompson, K., Ruane, T., Naughton, C., Dowd, E., Pandit, A., Roche, M., Finn, D.P. (2016) Optogenetic Stimulation of Glutamatergic Neurons in the Rat Anterior Cingulate Cortex Neuroscience Ireland Young Neuroscientists Meeting Dublin, [Details]
(2016) A Shape-controlled Tunable Microgel Cell Delivery Platform for Low-dose Delivery of Primed Stem Cells for In Vivo Therapeutic Neovascularization
Thomas, D., Marsico, G., Thirumaran, A., Chen, X., Lukasz, B., Thompson, K., Quondamatteo, F., Dockery, P., Rodriguez, B., Marchetti-Deschmann, M., O’Brien, T. and Pandit, A. (2016) Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) – EU Meeting A Shape-controlled Tunable Microgel Cell Delivery Platform for Low-dose Delivery of Primed Stem Cells for In Vivo Therapeutic Neovascularization [Details]
(2016) Bioengineering in Ireland 2016, the Annual Conference of the Section of Bioengineering of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland
Thomas, D., Marsico, G., Thirumaran, A., Lukasz, B., Thompson, K., Dockery, P., Quondamatteo, F., Rodriguez, B., MarchettiDeschmann, M., O’Brien, T. and Pandit, A. (2016) A Shape-controlled Tunable Microgel Cell Delivery Platform for Low-Dose Delivery of Primed Stem Cells for In Vivo Therapeutic Neovascularization Bioengineering in Ireland 2016, the Annual Conference of the Section of Bioengineering of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland [Details]

Other Journals

  Year Publication
(2016) 'Impaired recognition memory and cognitive flexibility in the rat L5–L6 spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain'
Orla Moriarty, Claire L. Gorman, Fiona McGowan, Gemma K. Ford, Michelle Roche, Kerry Thompson, Peter Dockery, Brian E. McGuire,David P. Finn (2016) 'Impaired recognition memory and cognitive flexibility in the rat L5–L6 spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain' Scandinavian Journal of Pain, (10) . [DOI] [Details]

Abstract

  Year Publication
(2012) An optimised microgel for maintaining 3D viable microenvironment for human mesenchymal stem cells.
Dilip, T,Fontana, G,Baustain, C,Thompson, K,Sugrue, T,Lalor, P,Dockery, P,O'Brien, T,Pandit, A (2012) An optimised microgel for maintaining 3D viable microenvironment for human mesenchymal stem cells. Abstract [Details]
(2013) Apoptosis in cell-loaded scaffolds in a transection model of rat spinal cord injury.
Keane, E,Madigan, NN,Canney, M,Thompson, K,O'Brien, T,Windebank, AJ,McMahon, SS (2013) Apoptosis in cell-loaded scaffolds in a transection model of rat spinal cord injury. Abstract [Details]
(2009) A stereological study on the effects of the Mirena/Levonogestrel releasing device on the morphology of the human myometrium.
Thompson, K,Dockery, P,Cameron, IT,Campbell, S (2009) A stereological study on the effects of the Mirena/Levonogestrel releasing device on the morphology of the human myometrium. Abstract [Details]
(2013) Autophagy mechanism in reprogramming and induced pluripotent stem cells. ISSCR Conference 2013, Boston.
Sotthibundhu A, McDonagh K, Klawiter A, Thompson K, Dockery P., Devine M, Kunath T, O’Brien T, Barry F, Shen S* (2013) Autophagy mechanism in reprogramming and induced pluripotent stem cells. ISSCR Conference 2013, Boston. Abstract [Details]
(2013) Establishing in Vitro Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. ISSCR Conference 2013, Boston.
McDonagh K, Sotthibundhu A, Thompson K, McDermott E, Dockery P., Schwartz PH, Brick DJ, O’Brien T, Barry F, Shen S* (2013) Establishing in Vitro Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. ISSCR Conference 2013, Boston. Abstract [Details]
(2009) A stereological study on the effects of the Mirena/Levonogestrel releasing device on the morphology of the human myometrium. JOURNAL OF ANATOMY.
THOMPSON, K et al. (2009) A stereological study on the effects of the Mirena/Levonogestrel releasing device on the morphology of the human myometrium. JOURNAL OF ANATOMY. Abstract [Details]
(2008) A stereological study of the structural changes in hyaline cartilage in a model of rheumatoid arthritis.
Thompson, K,Brennan, D,Glynn, S,Dockery, P,Finn, DP (2008) A stereological study of the structural changes in hyaline cartilage in a model of rheumatoid arthritis. Abstract [Details]

Reviews

  Year Publication
(2016) Functional imaging for regenerative medicine.
Leahy, M;Thompson, K;Zafar, H;Alexandrov, S;Foley, M;O'Flatharta, C;Dockery, P (2016) Functional imaging for regenerative medicine. LONDON: BIOMED CENTRAL LTD Reviews [DOI] [Details]
(2014) NADPH Oxidase Complex-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species, the Actin Cytoskeleton, and Rho GTPases in Cell Migration.
Stanley, A,Thompson, K,Hynes, A,Brakebusch, C,Quondamatteo, F (2014) NADPH Oxidase Complex-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species, the Actin Cytoskeleton, and Rho GTPases in Cell Migration. Reviews [DOI] [Details]

Professional Associations

  Association Function From / To
Microscopy Society Of Ireland Honorary Secretary 01-SEP-12 /
Royal Microscopy Society Fellow /
Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland Ordinary Member 01-SEP-06 /

Committees

  Committee Function From / To
Postgraduate Taught Committee School of Medicine Committee Member 01-FEB-17 /
Executive Committee - Royal Microscopical Society Committee Member 01-SEP-18 /
Outreach and Education Committee of the Royal Microscopy Society Committee Chair 01-SEP-18 /
Microscopy Society Of Ireland Honorary Secretary 26-AUG-11 /

Community Engagement

  Title Type From / To
Outreach Under the Microscope 01-NOV-14 /

Teaching Interests

Microscopy and microscopical techniques and workflows
Research techniques for Post Graduates 
Histology and Cell Biology
Digital pathology and AI led analysis 
Open Science Hardware and Software 

Modules Taught

  Term/Year Module Title Module Code Subject / Desc
2018 - Introduction to Microscopy, Imaging and Analysis AN1500
2018 - Current Topics in Imaging AN1501
2018 - Image Analysis and Processing AN1503
2017 - Cells and Tissues AN2101
2017 - Microscopy and Imaging AN4103
2017 - Systems Histology AN226
2017/2018 Advanced Cell Biology and Development AN437
2016 - Introduction to Medicine MD103
2017/2018 Biomedical Seminars BM202
2017 - Histology of the Fundamental Tissues AN2102