My research is focussed on the effects of shear stress (a mechanical force generated by flowing blood) on the physiology of vascular endothelial cells. These studies are relevant to vascular injury and atherosclerosis which develop predominantly at branches and bends in the arterial tree that are exposed to disturbed patterns of blood flow. The cross-disciplinary nature of my work has led to interactions with molecular and cellular biologists, vascular physiologists and bioengineers. My research program will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that give rise to the spatial distribution of atherosclerotic plaques, and will inform novel therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat atherosclerosis by inducing protective molecules at atherosusceptible regions. My studies in this field have been recognized by the British Atherosclerosis Society (John French Lecture 2011) and the British Cardiovascular Society (Michael Davies Award 2011), and members of my group have also won prestigious prizes (listed below).

Awards for the Evans Lab:

April 2015 - 10th International Symposium on Biomechanics and Vascular Biology – best oral presentation (Miss Marwa Mahmoud).
Sept 2014 - BAS Young Investigator Prize awarded to Marwa Mahmoud.
Sept 2014 - BAS Young Investigator Prize awarded to Neil Bowden.
July 2014 - ESC Frontiers in Cardiovascular Biology, Barcelona - Young Investigator Award (first prize) awarded to Dr Sarah Hsiao.
July 2014 - ESC Frontiers in Cardiovascular Biology, Barcelona – poster prize (Mr Ismael Gauci).
April 2014 - 9th International Symposium on Biomechanics and Vascular Biology – best oral presentation (Dr Sarah Hsiao).
April 2012 - Society for Cardiovascular Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland – Ronald Edwards Medal (Mr Bao Nguyen).
June 2010 - British Atherosclerosis Society/ British Society for Cardiovascular Research Young Investigator Award (Simon Cuhlmann).
April 2010 - 5th International Symposium on Biomechanics and Vascular Biology – best oral presentation (Dr Kim Van der Heiden).
March 2010 - Society for Cardiovascular Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland - Ronald Edwards Medal (Mr Mustafa Zakkar).
May 2009 - Promega UK Young Life Scientist Award - 1st Prize (Dr Kim Van der Heiden).