Meet the Expert: Prof Ann Walker, Director, MSc Cardiovascular Science

Which programme do you lead? 

Cardiovascular Science MSc

Can you please tell us about your background and career so far? 

My career has been quite varied in studying the molecular basis of human diseases - research can lead in unexpected directions!  

My undergraduate training was in Biochemistry and included a cardiovascular research placement in the Medicinal Biology unit at Pfizer. My PhD was an investigation of cerebral DNA damage and repair in ageing and in Alzheimer’s disease, leading to training in genetics and postdoctoral studies at Duke University, contributing to the eventual recognition of APOE4 as a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.  APOE4 was later also recognised as a major genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

As a postdoctoral fellow at the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, I used a positional cloning strategy to identify the human glycerol kinase gene. I also played a major role in the mapping and identification of the gene responsible for adrenal hypoplasia congenita.

Then at the Royal Free Hospital, I mapped genes responsible for inherited iron overload and contributed to the establishment of the HFE haemochromatosis genetic testing service, a UK NEQAS accredited molecular genetics scheme. 

On Sabbatical at UCL, I analysed macrophage transcriptomic data, identifying potential candidate genes for Crohn’s disease which may contribute to the underlying impaired acute inflammatory response. In the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, our two-sample Mendelian randomisation study has shown that, contrary to the dogma since the 1980s, higher systemic iron status – at least in the general population - may actually lower the risk of coronary artery disease. A second, phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) used two-sample Mendelian Randomization to test how differing iron status may affect human phenotypes.  Unexpectedly, this showed a causal effect of higher iron status on decreased risk of hypercholesterolemia. This work has been widely cited and provoked considerable interest as iron status is modifiable, so further work will be important to validate these findings and to investigate the mechanism.

Alongside research, I’ve also been interested and involved in teaching since I was a PhD student. I’m the Director for the Cardiovascular Science MSc programme, Director of Education for the Institute of Cardiovascular Science and Module Lead for Cardiovascular Science and Disease. 

Why did you choose to pursue your subject area and areas of research? 

I’m fascinated by the molecular mechanisms underlying disease as potential targets for treatment.

What would be your advice to those interested in pursuing postgraduate education?

Being a student is a wonderful time, it’s an opportunity to make lifelong friends from around the globe, explore and have fun. Also, it’s your degree, so work hard! Postgraduate education can have its stresses, so it’s important to minimise these by preparing for assessments well in advance and talking to friends and / or staff members about any worries. Recognise the skills that you develop on the programme as these will help with your future career path and consider supplementing these by taking up some additional training at UCL. Do some good with volunteering. Choose a topic which interests and motivates you!

What do you find interesting about leading your programme or teaching on your modules? 

Our students are such a diverse and interesting group and it’s always great to hear about their experiences!

What drew you to UCL?

The amazing research – UCL is ranked 2nd in the UK for research power (REF 2021). UCL is also ranked 7th in the world for public health (ShanghaiRanking's 2022 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects), and overall 8th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023).

What are the benefits of studying your programme? 

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common causes of death and disability. In the UK, research and changes to practice have decreased CVD rates, but importantly these are still increasing in low- and middle- income countries, where populations may be large and resources scarce. The MSc Cardiovascular Science programme provides a specialist overview of this important field, including a Clinical Cardiology module for clinicians only, and valuable opportunities for hands-on practical sessions. The Congenital Heart Disease – Fundamentals module teaches cardiac morphology and physiology using a unique archive of human hearts. Imaging, intervention, and surgery for specific lesions seen in patients with congenital heart disease are also covered. In the Fundamental Genetic Laboratory Methods in Cardiovascular Research module, the sessions in the lab are paired with lectures and tutorials. Students taking the module may wish to support future research in the lab, or they may wish to understand the methods used in research papers they read, and how sequence data is captured for big data projects. The students particularly enjoy the small group working activities in different modules, such as essay tutorial groups, making a poster and reviewing a research grant. We offer a wide range of research projects, supervised by our clinicians and researchers in the Institute of Cardiovascular Science, including clinical, population health, cardiovascular engineering, data analysis and genetics and physiology lab projects. The research project is often rated by students as the part of the programme that they enjoyed the most.

What career routes could students on your programme consider after graduating? 

Our students come from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. Clinical students and students working as healthcare professionals mostly return to their clinical path with enhanced academic skills, which they may apply to research or grant applications or taking on leadership roles. Occasionally clinicians or healthcare professionals may use the MSc to change track into another field, such as full-time research, pharma or patient-focussed valve technologies. Some clinical students use the MSc as a stepping-stone to PhD studies, with an intention towards a research-active clinical career.  
Students with science and medical science backgrounds may take the MSc either directly after their undergraduate degree or following a period of research or work experience. These students often go on to either PhD research or to medical school; one student went on to study law. Some will qualify for the NHS Scientists’ Training Programme or work as a research assistant in a laboratory, in education or medical writing and communications, in pharma or healthcare innovation and technology companies.

What advice would you give to incoming students on your course? 

To take advantage of the clubs, societies, and meetings at UCL as well as being in the centre of London! Talk to your personal tutor and get involved with UCL Careers. Also to work hard and to have drafts of assessments prepared at least a week in advance, so that you can improve upon your work and pick up extra marks.

Do you have any recommendations of resources for anyone interested in your programme? 

The British Heart Foundation funds much of the research in the Institute of Cardiovascular Science, and they have great news stories about current research. They are also a great resource for information and support about cardiovascular disease, as well as participation. 

Where is home for you?

I live in Chalk Farm, which is very lively and close to street markets and some of London’s parks, including Primrose Hill, Regents Park and Hampstead Heath.

What is your favourite thing to do in London?

UCL is close to the British Museum which I love. Probably my favourite exhibit is the Rosetta Stone. I also like to swim in the ponds on Hampstead Heath.