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Hire Dr. Hayley T.

South Africa

PhD in Neuroscience with extensive experience in teaching and communicating science to a wide variety of audiences.

Profile Summary

I am a neuroscientist with a keenness for communicating science in a multitude of ways, inluding public talks and teaching, but most especially through writing. I have extensive lab experience and a meticulous nature. I am excited to work on projects both within and outside of of my immediate field as I love to learn new things and can apply my rigorous scientific training broadly. More about me: I recently qualified with my PhD in cellular neuroscience from the University of Cape Town with a project investigating neural responses in models of Neurocysticercosis (epilepsy secondary to tapeworm infection in the brain) but I have also conducted research on Parkinson’s disease and early-life stress for my MSc. My language and editing skills are excellent and my examiners on both my dissertation-only Masters and Doctoral degrees commented on the care and calibre of the work. Two of three examiners on my PhD recommended that the degree be awarded without the need for further corrections. An examiner on my MSc commented, ‘It is of significant note that I saw only a single typographical error in the entire thesis.’ I have an excellent command of English, I’m self-directed, adaptable, ambitious, and my research through my doctorate and masters has exposed me to a very broad range of scientific techniques and terminology which makes me well suited for scientific editing. I have a fair amount of writing experience, including preparing scientific articles for publication. I’ve been the go-to proof-reader for my labmates and colleagues, editing funding proposals and theses. I have a passion for outreach and experience in public engagement ranging from science talks for school kids, speaking at the Pint of Science festival, and high profile radio interviews discussing the nature of consciousness on Radio 702 (South Africa). This, together with a decade of volunteer teaching at the College of Magic working with second language English speakers, has taught me how to make complex concepts (scientific or magical) understandable and succinct. And of course, I have developed significant expertise in a wide range of techniques, including the study of cells and tissues, patch-clamp electrophysiology and multiple histological techniques including tissue preparation, fixation and staining. I also have experience with the preparation of larval homogenate for use in vitro and in vivo, fluorescent immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, as well as extensive training in animal techniques ranging from basic handling to in vivo surgery and transcardial perfusion. I believe that my interpersonal skills are one of my strongest attributes. I work readily with others and take pride in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with my colleagues. I’m able to give feedback and corrections in a constructive way. Finally, I feel confident in my excellent written and communication skills and I’d be thrilled to use my knowledge and expertise to help others with scientific writing, editing or research.

Subject Matter Expertise

• ★ Neuroscience
• ★ Electrophysiology
• ★ Epilepsy & Seizures
• ☆ Parasitology
• ☆ Molecular Biology
• ☆ Microscopy
• ☆ Cell Culture
• ☆ Immunohistochemistry

Services

• Writing
• Research

Writing Technical Writing

Research Fact Checking, Gray Literature Search, Systematic Literature Review, Secondary Data Collection

Work Experience

Tutor, Problem-based Learning facilitator and demonstrator within the Human Biology Department.

University of Cape Town

January 2011 - December 2019

Presented various lectures on subjects within the fields of physiology and histology to undergraduate and postgraduate medical and science students with class sizes between 10 and 200 students.

University of Cape Town

January 2014 - November 2019

Senior Scientific Officer, Histology Laboratory Manager (temp position needed by the department)

University of Cape Town

February 2018 - September 2018

Assisted in the organization of two IBRO-UCT Advanced Schools in Neuroscience

International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO)

December 2015 - December 2017

Administrator of the University of Cape Town Paediatric Neuropsychology Assessment clinic at Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

University of Cape Town

January 2010 - December 2010

Education

PhD Neuroscience

University of Cape Town

July 2014 - December 2019

MSc (Med) Neuroscience (with distinction)

University of Cape Town

January 2012 - June 2014

BSc (Hons) Physiology

University of Cape Town

January 2011 - December 2011

BSc Human Bioscience (majoring in Phsyiology and Psychology)

University of Cape Town

January 2007 - December 2010

Certifications

• Certification details not provided.

Publications

OTHER

Hayley Tomes, Anja de Lange, Ulrich Fabien Prodjinotho, Siddhartha Mahanty, Katherine Smith, William Horsnell, Chummy Sikasunge, Clarissa Prazeres da Costa, Joseph Valentino Raimondo(2019). Cestode larvae excite host neuronal circuits via glutamatergic signaling . Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

JOURNAL ARTICLE

C. J. Forman, H. Tomes, B. Mbobo, R. J. Burman, M. Jacobs, T Baden, J. V. Raimondo(2017). Openspritzer: an open hardware pressure ejection system for reliably delivering picolitre volumes . Scientific Reports. 7. (1). Springer Nature

Raimondo, J.V., Tomes, H., Irkle, A., Kay, L., Kellaway, L., Markram, H., Millar, R.P., Akerman, C.J.(2016). Tight coupling of astrocyte pH dynamics to epileptiform activity revealed by genetically encoded pH sensors . Journal of Neuroscience. 36. (26). p. 7002-7013.