Biology
Watch our video of biology and conservation student, Megan, as she gives us a glimpse into what life was like on her year-long placement at Chester Zoo.
Our BSc (Hons) Biology degree offers the chanc…
Dr Kirsty Shaw
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Biology
Molecular biologist specialising in forensic science and microfluidic/Lab-on-a-Chip research
My profile
Biography
I am a molecular biologist with research interests in the development of microfluidic systems applied to the miniaturisation of molecular techniques and how they can be applied in the field. Miniaturisation offers advantages of reduced sample/reagent consumption, increased speed of analysis and reduced likelihood of contamination. In particular, microfluidics can be used in the generation of Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) systems in which multiple processes are integrated together on a single device. Projects include the development of LOC devices for forensic/ancient DNA analysis, detection of infectious diseases, species identification, analysis of drugs of abuse and amino acid dating.
I am also interested in forensic DNA analysis and how we can use this, in it’s conventional or miniaturised form, to aid conservation efforts. For example, looking at individual cat predation on bats or identification of illegally traded shark species.
I am a member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (MCSFS) and since 2016 have had a role as an accreditation assessor. I am also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA).
Projects
- 2020 - 2022 Save Ours Seas Foundation Continuation Grant: LOC Technology for Rapid, On-Site Identification of Threatened Shark Species
- 2019 - 2022 NERC Standard Grant: Wisdom teeth: refining our understanding of mammalian evolution through dating dental enamel
- 2018 - 2022 National Geographic Explorer Grant: LOC for Rapid, On-Site Genetic Identification of Illegally Traded Threatened Shark Species
- 2018 - 2019 Save Ours Seas Foundation Keystone Grant: LOC Technology for Rapid, On-Site Identification of Threatened Shark Species
Teaching
I use research-informed teaching and active learning across a range of topics:
- Forensic Biology - using real-life case studies and simulated crime scenes to understand how we can apply molecular techniques such as DNA profiling to forensic scenarios in the Forensic DNA Profiling (L5) and Forensic Genetics (L6) units
- Microfluidics/Lab-on-a-Chip - using integrated student-led research projects to design, manufacture and test Lab-on-a-Chip devices for a given scenario in the Frontiers in Biotechnology (L6) unit
- Protein Biochemistry - using interactive bioinformatics tutorials to probe protein structures and understand related functions in the Biochemistry (L5) unit
I also offer a range of, primarily laboratory-based, projects for final year students related to both the topics above and my research interests.
I am also Deputy Programme Leader (Final Year Tutor) for the Biological Sciences Programme.
Microbiology and Molecular Biology
Watch our video of Biological Sciences student, Megan, as she gives us a glimpse into what life was like on her year-long placement at Chester Zoo.
Explore a fascinating area of biology: a microscopi…
Supervision
If you would like to discuss the potential of completing a research degree with me, please get in touch.
Current PhD Students:
- Benjamin Crane (with Dr Patricia Linton, Dr Mamum Rashid, Prof Craig Banks and Dr Alex Iles (University of Hull) - Determination of antibiotic susceptibility of the bacteria causing urinary tract infections using a novel electrochemical Lab-on-a-Chip device
- Lauren McNeill (with Dr Oliver Sutcliffe, Dr David Megson and Dr Patricia Linton) - Origami chips: Paper-based Lab-on-a-Chip devices for the rapid and cost-effectives detection of New Psychoactive Substances
- Guuske Tiktak (with Prof Richard Preziosi, Dr Brad Cain and Dr David Megson) - Anthropogenic threats for shark species in South America
- Michal Zatrak (with Dr Robyn Grant and Dr Matt Geary (University of Chester) - Developing health and welfare assessment tools for harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus)
Completed PhD Students:
- Rana Khayat (with Dr. Robyn Grant, Dr. Louise Melling, Dr. Gary Dougill and Dr. Glen Cooper (University of Manchester) - The cause and effect of wing tears on bats: Studying behaviour, physiology and ecology
- Laila Patinglag (with Dr. David Sawtell, Dr. Louise Melling, Prof. Kathryn Whitehead and Dr. Alex Iles (University of Hull) - Microfluidic plasma reactor for plasma-based water treatment
Completed MRes Students:
- Catherine Pearson (with Dr. Oliver Sutcliffe) - The detection of New Psychoactive Substances using microfluidic devices
Research outputs
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Journal articles
Tiktak, G.P., Gabb, A., Brandt, M., Diz, F.R., Bravo-Vásquez, K., Peñaherrera-Palma, C., Valdiviezo-Rivera, J., Carlisle, A., Melling, L.M., Cain, B., Megson, D., Preziosi, R., Shaw, K.J. (2024) 'Genetic identification of three CITES-listed sharks using a paper-based Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC).' PLoS One, 19(4)
Zatrak, M., Brittain, S., Himmelreich, L., Lovick-Earle, S., Pizzi, R., Shaw, K.J., Grant, R.A., Geary, M. (2022) 'Factors affecting the survival of harbor (Phoca vitulina) and gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) juveniles admitted for rehabilitation in the UK and Ireland.' Marine Mammal Science, 39(2) pp. 462-480.
McNeill, L., Megson, D., Linton, P.E., Norrey, J., Bradley, L., Sutcliffe, O.B., Shaw, K.J. (2021) 'Lab-on-a-Chip approaches for the detection of controlled drugs, including new psychoactive substances: A systematic review.' Forensic Chemistry, 26pp. 100370-100370.
Crane, B., Hughes, J.P., Rowley Neale, S.J., Rashid, M., Linton, P.E., Banks, C.E., Shaw, K.J. (2021) 'Rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing using resazurin bulk modified screen-printed electrochemical sensing platforms.' The Analyst, 146(18) pp. 5574-5583.
Patinglag, L., Melling, L.M., Whitehead, K.A., Sawtell, D., Iles, A., Shaw, K.J. (2021) 'Non-thermal plasma-based inactivation of bacteria in water using a microfluidic reactor.' Water Research, 201
Wimbles, R., Melling, L.M., Cain, B., Davies, N., Doherty, J., Johnson, B., Shaw, K.J. (2021) 'On-site genetic analysis for species identification using lab-on-a-chip.' Ecology and Evolution, 11(4) pp. 1535-1543.
McNeill, L., Pearson, C., Megson, D., Norrey, J., Watson, D., Ashworth, D., Linton, P.E., Sutcliffe, O.B., Shaw, K.J. (2020) 'Origami Chips: development and validation of a paper-based Lab-on-a-Chip device for the rapid and cost-effective detection of 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) and its metabolite, 4-methylephedrine in urine.' Forensic Chemistry, 22pp. 100293-100293.
Tiktak, G.P., Butcher, D., Lawrence, P.J., Norrey, J., Bradley, L., Shaw, K., Preziosi, R., Megson, D. (2020) 'Are concentrations of pollutants in sharks, rays and skates (Elasmobranchii) a cause for concern? A systematic review.' Marine Pollution Bulletin, 160pp. 111701-111701.
Khayat, R.O.S., Grant, R.A., Ryan, H., Melling, L.M., Dougill, G., Killick, D.R., Shaw, K.J. (2020) 'Investigating cat predation as the cause of bat wing tears using forensic DNA analysis.' Ecology and Evolution, 10(15) pp. 8368-8378.
Khayat, R., Shaw, K., Mead, C., Ryan, H., Dougill, G., Melling, L., Grant, R. (2020) 'Measuring the effect of wing tears on flight in common pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus).' Mammal Communications, 6
Khayat, R.O.S., Shaw, K.J., Dougill, G., Melling, L.M., Ferris, G.R., Cooper, G., Grant, R.A. (2019) 'Characterizing wing tears in common pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pipistrellus): investigating tear distribution, wing strength, and possible causes.' Journal of Mammalogy, 100(4) pp. 1282-1294.
Patinglag, L., Sawtell, D., Iles, A., Melling, L.M., Shaw, K.J. (2019) 'A Microfluidic Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Reactor for Water Treatment.' Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing, 39(3) pp. 561-575.
Shaw, K., Nai, Y.H., Haswell, S. (2018) 'Application of microfluidic methodology for the analysis of DNA.' Micromachines, 9(1)
Birch, C., Esfahani, M.M.N., Shaw, K.J., Kemp, C., Haswell, S.J., Dyer, C. (2017) 'The preparation of microfluidic architecture with monolithic materials using a dual porous silica structure.' ELECTROPHORESIS, 38(22-23) pp. 2996-3002.
Birch, C., Esfahani, M.M.N., Shaw, K.J., Kemp, C., Haswell, S.J., Dyer, C. (2017) 'The preparation of microfluidic architecture with monolithic materials using a dual porous silica structure..' Electrophoresis, 38(22/23) pp. 2996-3002.
Shaw, K.J., Melling, L.M., Wimbles, R. (2016) 'Combining Electro-Osmotic Flow and FTA® Paper for DNA Analysis on Microfluidic Devices.' Micromachines, 7
Yip, T., Melling, L., Shaw, K.J. (2016) 'Evaluation of an Online Instructional Database Accessed by QR Codes To Support Biochemistry Practical Laboratory Classes.' Journal of Chemical Education, 93(9) pp. 1556-1560.
Mosley, O., Melling, L., Tarn, M.D., Kemp, C., Esfahani, M.M.N., Pamme, N., Shaw, K.J. (2016) 'Sample introduction interface for on-chip nucleic acid-based analysis of: Helicobacter pylori from stool samples.' Lab on a Chip: miniaturisation for chemistry, physics, biology, materials science and bioengineering, 16(11) pp. 2108-2115.
Shaw, K.J., Brown, K.A., Brown, T.A., Haswell, S.J. (2015) 'Sex identification of ancient DNA samples using a microfluidic device..' Methods in Molecular Biology, 1274
Shaw, K.J., Hughes, E.M., Dyer, C.E., Greenman, J., Haswell, S.J. (2013) 'Integrated RNA extraction and RT-PCR for semi-quantitative gene expression studies on a microfluidic device..' Lab Invest, 93(8) pp. 961-966.
Parton, J., Abu-Mandil Hassan, N., Brown, T.A., Haswell, S.J., Brown, K.A., Shaw, K.J. (2013) 'Sex identification of ancient DNA samples using a microfluidic device.' Journal of Archaeological Science, 40(1) pp. 705-711.
Kashkary, L., Kemp, C., Shaw, K.J., Greenway, G.M., Haswell, S.J. (2012) 'Improved DNA extraction efficiency from low level cell numbers using a silica monolith based micro fluidic device..' Anal Chim Acta, 750pp. 127-131.
Kemp, C., Birch, C., Shaw, K.J., Nixon, G.J., Docker, P.T., Greenman, J., Huggett, J.F., Haswell, S.J., Foy, C.A., Dyer, C.E. (2012) 'Direct processing of clinically relevant large volume samples for the detection of sexually transmitted infectious agents from urine on a microfluidic device.' Analytical Methods, 4(7) pp. 2141-2144.
Parton, J., Birch, C., Kemp, C., Haswell, S.J., Pamme, N., Shaw, K.J. (2012) 'Integrated DNA extraction and amplification using electrokinetic pumping in a microfluidic device.' Analytical Methods, 4(1) pp. 96-100.
Shaw, K.J., Birch, C., Hughes, E.M., Jakes, A.D., Greenman, J., Haswell, S.J. (2011) 'Microsystems for personalized biomolecular diagnostics.' Engineering in Life Sciences, 11(2) pp. 121-132.
Shaw, K.J., Joyce, D.A., Docker, P.T., Dyer, C.E., Greenway, G.M., Greenman, J., Haswell, S.J. (2011) 'Development of a real-world direct interface for integrated DNA extraction and amplification in a microfluidic device..' Lab Chip, 11(3) pp. 443-448.
Shaw, K.J., Docker, P.T., Yelland, J.V., Dyer, C.E., Greenman, J., Greenway, G.M., Haswell, S.J. (2010) 'Rapid PCR amplification using a microfluidic device with integrated microwave heating and air impingement cooling..' Lab Chip, 10(13) pp. 1725-1728.
Shaw, K.J., Thain, L., Docker, P.T., Dyer, C.E., Greenman, J., Greenway, G.M., Haswell, S.J. (2009) 'The use of carrier RNA to enhance DNA extraction from microfluidic-based silica monoliths..' Anal Chim Acta, 652(1-2) pp. 231-233.
Shaw, K.J., Joyce, D.A., Docker, P.T., Dyer, C.E., Greenman, J., Greenway, G.M., Haswell, S.J. (2009) 'Simple practical approach for sample loading prior to DNA extraction using a silica monolith in a microfluidic device..' Lab Chip, 9(23) pp. 3430-3432.
Oakley, J.A., Shaw, K.J., Docker, P.T., Dyer, C.E., Greenman, J., Greenway, G.M., Haswell, S.J. (2009) 'Development of a bi-functional silica monolith for electro-osmotic pumping and DNA clean-up/extraction using gel-supported reagents in a microfluidic device..' Lab Chip, 9(11) pp. 1596-1600.
Shaw, K., Sesardić, I., Bristol, N., Ames, C., Dagnall, K., Ellis, C., Whittaker, F., Daniel, B. (2008) 'Comparison of the effects of sterilisation techniques on subsequent DNA profiling..' Int J Legal Med, 122(1) pp. 29-33.
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Conference papers
Dean, A., Redfern, J., Shaw, K.J. (2022) 'STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & ACHIEVEMENT IN A COURSE-BASED UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE CREATING APPLIED MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES.' pp. 1175-1176.
Crane, B., Iles, A., Banks, C.E., Rashid, M., Linton, P.E., Shaw, K.J. (2022) 'MULTIPLEX ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING USING AN ELECTROCHEMICAL MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE.' pp. 219-220.
Patinglag, L., Dickinson, M., Penkman, K.E.H., Shaw, K.J. (2021) 'WISDOM TEETH: SAMPLE PREPARATION OF MAMMOTH TOOTH ENAMEL FOR DATING USING AMINO ACID RACEMIZATION.' pp. 1681-1682.
Patinglag, L., Melling, L.M., Whitehead, K.A., Sawtell, D., Iles, A., Shaw, K.J. (2021) 'NON-THERMAL PLASMA-BASED INACTIVATION OF BACTERIA IN WATER USING A MICROFLUIDIC REACTOR.' pp. 1683-1684.
Tiktak, G., Hughes, T., Brandt, M., Diz, F.R., Vasquez, K.E.B., Peñaherrera, C., Gabb, A., Cain, B., Megson, D., Preziosi, R., Shaw, K.J. (2021) 'GENETIC IDENTIFICATION OF THREATENED HAMMERHEAD SHARKS ILLEGALLY SOLD AT ARTISNAL FISH MARKETS IN ECUADOR.' pp. 129-130.
Greenhalgh, L., Rashid, M., Linton, P.E., Shaw, K.J. (2020) 'A Microfluidic Device for Nucleic Acid-Based Analysis of Helicobacter pylori and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing.' In 7th International Conference on the Development of Biomedical Engineering in Vietna, (BME7). 69. Ho Chi Min City, 27/6/2018 - 29/6/2018. Springer, pp. 369-372.
Patinglag, L., Sawtell, D., Iles, A., Melling, L., Whitehead, K., Shaw, K. (2018) 'Evaluation of a microfluidic atmospheric-pressure plasma reactor for water treatment.' In International Symposium on Non-Thermal/Thermal Plasma Pollution Control Technology and Sustainable Energy (ISNTP-11). Padova, Italy, 1/7/2018 - 5/7/2018.
Wimbles, R., Melling, L.M., Cain, B., Shaw, K.J. (2018) 'Conservation and wildlife forensic applications of a microfluidic device for threatened species.' 4. pp. 2268-2270.
Patinglag, L., Sawtell, D., Iles, A., Melling, L., Whitehead, K., Shaw, K.J. (2018) 'Microfluidic atmospheric-pressure plasma reactor for water treatment.' 4. pp. 2271-2272.
Mosley, O., Melling, L., Tarn, M.D., Kemp, C., Esfahani, M.M.N., Pamme, N., Shaw, K.J. (2016) 'Sample introduction interface for on-chip nucleic acid-based analysis of Helicobacter pylori from stool samples.' In 20th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences, MicroTAS 2016. Dublin, Ireland, 9/10/2016 - 13/10/2016.
Kemp, C., Wojciechowska, J.M., Esfahani, M.N., Benazzi, G., Shaw, K.J., Haswell, S.J., Pamme, N. (2012) 'On-chip processing and dna extraction from large volume urine samples for the detection of herpes simplex virus type 2.' pp. 911-913.
Shaw, K.J., Vasiliadou, R., Parton, J., Pamme, N., Haswell, S.J. (2012) 'Integrated DNA purification and amplification using FTA® paper and PCR reagent encapsulation.' pp. 1396-1398.
Kemp, C., Birch, C., Shaw, K.J., Nixon, G., Docker, P.T., Greenman, J., Huggett, J.F., Haswell, S.J., Foy, C., Dyer, C.E. (2010) 'Microfluidic devices for the detection of sexually transmitted infectious agents in a urine-based matrix.' 1. pp. 112-114.
Shaw, K.J., Oakley, J., Docker, P.T., Dyer, C.E., Greenman, J., Greenway, G.M., Haswell, S.J. (2008) 'DNA extraction, using carrier RNA, integrated with agarose gel-based polymerase chain reaction in a microfluidic device.' pp. 1069-1071.
Hughes, E.M., Shaw, K.J., Docker, P.T., Dyer, C.E., Greenman, J., Haswell, S.J. (2008) 'Development of a microfluidic device for combined RNA extraction and realtime, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.' pp. 1722-1724.
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Presentations
McNeill, L.F., Savvos, M., Sutcliffe, O.B., Megson, D.P., Linton, P.E., Shaw, K.J. (2019) Rapid and portable presumptive testing of new psychoactive substances. [Presentation] 1/1/2019.
Holmes, P., McNeill, L., Sutcliffe, O.B., Shaw, K.J. (2016) Guilty by dissociation: Paper-fluidic presumptive testing of the new psychoactive substance, diphenidine. [Presentation] Dublin, Ireland,2016.
Pearson, C., Sutcliffe, O.B., Shaw, K.J. (2016) The M-CAT's out of the bag: A paper-based microfluidic immunoassay for the rapid detection of mephedrone. [Presentation] Dublin, Ireland,2016.
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Patents
Shaw, K.J., Docker, P.T., Haswell, S.J. Methods and apparatus for amplifying nucleic acids.
Career history
2016 - Present
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Biology, Manchester Metropolitan University
2012 - 2016
Lecturer in Forensic Biology, Manchester Metropolitan University
2009 - 2012
Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Microfluidics, University of Hull
2006 - 2009
PhD Chemistry, University of Hull
2004 - 2005
MSc Forensic Science, Kings College London
2001 - 2004
BSc Biochemistry, Imperial College London