Alexander Bera

BSc (Hons), MRes

Biography

I've always had an interest in the physiology of the cardiovascular system, particularly how things go awry at the molecular level to produce atherosclerosis and all the associated complications. By understanding these molecular systems, we can look at using compounds that exert various effects to help the body ameliorate or slow pathogenesis. In Prof. Ramji's lab we seek to do this through the investigation of nutraceuticals.

Originally, I did my Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science in Winchester University, with my dissertation investigating the effects of exercise modality on acute arterial stiffness; by the end, I was certain I wanted to learn in greater depth about the molecular underpinnings. Duly, I did some research on lab groups whose research I'd like to be a part of, and reached out to Prof. Ramji who suggested the MRes Bioscience course with my research project held in his lab and it was by far my most academically satiating pursuit.

I researched the effect of Urolithin-C on induced hepatic steatosis in a HepG2 cell model system of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through bioinformatic analyses of differential gene expression, canonical pathway regulation and pathway/network interactions, combined with model-appropriate biochemical assays substantiate the effect of Urolithin-C on key indicators of NAFLD. To continue satiating my curiosity, I am now on a BHF-funded PhD studentship at Cardiff University, seeking to investigate the anti-atherogenic effects of Pinolenic acid, another promising nutraceutical, upon molecular mechanisms using in-vitro and in-vivo model systems. 

Academic positions

• Lead Tutor for the Biomedicine Division of the Cardiff University Step Up Programme 2026 Delivered a series of classes on: 
  1. Bioethics: From Philosophy to Scientific Practice
  2. Cell Biology and Gene Expression
  3. CRISPR and Epigenetic Regulation
  4. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
  5. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  6. Cardiac Physiology and Atherosclerosis

• 2026 In2STEM Programme Lead
  
  • Planned and delivered a laboratory practical on Oil-Red-O staining of steatotic vs. healthy HepG2 cells and subsequent statistical data analysis.
  • Coordinated the delivery of sessions led by colleagues through scheduling/organising and ensuring compliance with COSHH, safeguarding, insurance and risk assessment requirements. These sessions covered gel electrophoresis, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, microscopy/imaging and subsequent ImageJ analysis.

• Student Ambassador for Widenening Participation in STEM 2026/27

Speaking engagements

• Presented an overview of my PhD project on the 13th of November 2025 at the Cardiff University Molecular Biology and Biomedicine PhD Conference in the Haydn Ellis Building.
• Presented early experimental results at the "Everything about Life Sciences: Harnessing your lay communication skills" Conference on the 18th of June 2026 at Cardiff University in the Redwood Building.

Committees and reviewing

• Member of the Cardiff University Outreach and Engagement Committee.