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Dr Michael Carroll is a Reader in Reproductive Science and the course director for the MSc in Clinical Science / Cellular science. This is the academic component for the Scientist Training Program (STP), which is part of the Department of Health’s Modernising Science Careers (MSC). The MSC is a UK-wide government initiative to address the training and education needs of the whole healthcare science workforce in the National Health Service (NHS).
The Cellular Science STP is designed to train and educate clinical embryologists, histopathologists and cytopathologists for the UK clinical workforce.
Michael studied toxicology (Athlone Institute of Technology, Eire) and Biomedical science (University of Bradford). After completing a PhD in reproductive cellular physiology from the University of Newcastle he went on to do post doctoral positions at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UT Southwestern, Dallas - The CNRS, Station Zollogique, VilleFranche sur Mer, France and at Southampton University. After his time in research Michael trained as a clinical embryologist (obtaining the ACE postgraduate certificate in clinical embryology) and worked in a busy IVF clinic before being appointed as a lecturer in reproductive science at MMU.
Michael is a visiting Professor of Reproductive Physiology in the School of Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies [Northumbria University Newcastle campus].
Michael's research interest includes reproductive cell biology, andrology, investigating lifestyle and environment effects on human sperm, and evolutionary biology.
Read more, and take responsibility for your own learning.
My teaching style is to provide students with the underlying principles from which they can build upon through reading around the topic. I encourage students to want to learn.
BSc, PhD, PgCAP, CBiol, FRSB, FIBMS, FHEA
Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Embryology (Associate of Clinical Embryology)
Clinical Embryologist (pre-regestered), Dept. Reproductive Medicine St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester. (2008 – 2011)
Research Fellow, Early Human Development and Stem Cell Biology Group, Human Genetics Division, Southampton University, Southampton (2005 – 2008)
Research Associate, CNRS, Biologie Developpment, Station Zoologique, VilleFranche sur Mer, France (2004-2005)
Course Tutor on the Physiology Course, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts (Summer 2003)
Research Associate, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA (2002-2004)
Management Responsibilities
• Course Director: MSc Clinical Science (STP Cellular Science)
• Academic Lead: Reproductive Science (STP / HSST)
• Programme Lead for MSc Clinical Science Network.
• Research Lead: Genetics, Cells and Molecular Biology research group.
• Postgraduate student supervision
• Research development reviewer for PhD students
• Interim Applied Biomedical Science student placement tutor (2013 - 2014).
We all are the products of reproduciton -
I teach on the undergraduate Biomedical Science course. I deliver both lectures and laboratory practicals on reproductive biology. In addition I deliver lectures on biochemistry, cell biology and clinical embryology on undergraduate and postgraudate programmes.
I am the programme lead for the MSc Clinical Science network, which is the network covering several clinical science diciplines. I am the course director for the MSc Clinical Science / cellular science. I teach all aspects of reprodiuctive biology and clinical embryology.
In addition I teach on the MSc Biomedical Science programme.
PhD student - Clare Nevin (2012 -2016), Director of Studies
PhD student - Maha Al-Gazi (2014 - 2019), Director of Studies
PhD student - Ana-Maria Tomova (2016 - 2020), Director of Studies
PhD student - Emma Clear (2018 - ), Co-Supervisor
PhD student - Steve Bradburn (2013 - 2016), Co-Supervisor
PhD student - Reema A S Alyamani (2015-2018), Co-Supervisor
MRes Student - Louise Waddilove (2017 - 2018), Director of Studies
MRes Student - Mahaah Shehzad (2016 - 2017), Director of Studies
MRes Student - Ana-Maria Tomova (2015 - 2016), Director of Studies
In addition I supervise research project students on the MSc Biomedical Science programme and act as the academic supervsor for students on the MSc Clincial Science / Cellular Science programme (Reproductive Science).
I am the academic supervisor for the Doctorate of Clinical Science [Higher Specalist Scientist Training]
External Subject Specialist for the St George’s University/Northumbria University programme approval event.
I have established a niche research area in molecular andrology and reproductive cell biology where I collaborate nationally and internationally. My lab uses a variety of techniques such as Pyro-sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing, MicroRNA and transcriptome analysis of sperm. We also are used conventional immunocytochemistry, Western Blotting and molecular biology techniques to investigate sperm biology and dysfunction..
I am activelty working on collaborative with clinical and scientific colleagies at Central Manchester Foundation NHS Trust and University of Manchester.
M. Carroll (2018). Clinical Reproductive Science. Wiley-Blackwell.
M. Carroll (2018). Clinical Reproductive Science. Wiley-Blackwell.
B. Altakroni, C. Nevin, M. Carroll, C. Murgatroyd, G. Horne, et al. DR. Brison, AC. Povey. (2021). The marker of alkyl DNA base damage, N7-methylguanine, is associated with semen quality in men. Scientific Reports. 11,
JL. Fitzpatrick, C. Willis, A. Devigili, A. Young, M. Carroll, et al. HR. Hunter, DR. Brison. (2020). Chemical signals from eggs facilitate cryptic female choice in humans. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 287(1928), pp.20200805-20200805.
C. Nevin, L. McNeil, N. Ahmed, C. Murgatroyd, D. Brison, et al. M. Carroll. (2018). Investigating the Glycating Effects of Glucose, Glyoxal and Methylglyoxal on Human Sperm. Scientific Reports. 8(1),
M. Slevin, M. Baldellou, E. Hill, Y. Alexander, G. McDowell, et al. C. Murgatroyd, M. Carroll, H. Degens, J. Krupinski, N. Rovira, M. Chowdhury, F. Serracino-Inglott, L. Badimon. (2014). Novel methods for accurate identification, isolation, and genomic analysis of symptomatic microenvironments in atherosclerotic arteries. Methods Mol Biol. 1135, pp.289-305.
M. Carroll, G. Horne, R. Antrobus, C. Fitzgerald, D. Brison, et al. M. Helbert. (2013). Testing for hypersensitivity to seminal fluid-free spermatozoa. Hum Fertil (Camb). 16(2), pp.128-131.
R. Dumollard, M. Levasseur, C. Hebras, P. Huitorel, M. Carroll, et al. J-P. Chambon, A. McDougall. (2011). Mos limits the number of meiotic divisions in urochordate eggs. Development. 138(5), pp.885-895.
M. Best, M. Carroll, NA. Hanley, K. Piper Hanley (2008). Embryonic stem cells to beta-cells by understanding pancreas development. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 288(1-2), pp.86-94.
M. Levasseur, M. Carroll, KT. Jones, A. McDougall (2007). A novel mechanism controls the Ca2+ oscillations triggered by activation of ascidian eggs and has an absolute requirement for Cdk1 activity. J Cell Sci. 120(Pt 10), pp.1763-1771.
LA. Hyslop, M. Carroll, VL. Nixon, A. McDougall, KT. Jones (2001). Simultaneous measurement of intracellular nitric oxide and free calcium levels in chordate eggs demonstrates that nitric oxide has no role at fertilization. Dev Biol. 234(1), pp.216-230.
D. Ebot, H. Hilal, M. Carroll (2018). Fundamentals of reproductive endocrinology. In: Clinical Reproductive Science. John Wiley & Sons,
M. Carroll, A-M. Tomova (2018). Lifestyle and Environmental Impacts on Fertility. In: Clinical Reproductive Science. John Wiley & Sons,
M. Carroll (2018). The Biology of Fertilization. In: Clinical Reproductive Science. John Wiley & Sons,
S. Berneau, M. Carroll (2018). Human Embryo Development. In: Clinical Reproductive Science. John Wiley & Sons,
M. Carroll (2018). Disorders of Male Reproductive Endocrinology. In: Clinical Reproductive Science. John Wiley & Sons,
M. Carroll, C. Nevin (2015). Culture and Maintenance of Human Embryonic Stem Cells: A Potential Source for Vasculargenesis. In: Handbook of Vascular Biology Techniques. Springer Netherlands, pp.55-64.
M. Slevin, M. Carroll, C. Murgatroyd, G. McDowell (2014). Biophysical and Molecular Targets. In: Cardiac Arrhythmias. Springer London, pp.335-343.
L. Weavers, R. Gibbons, S. Newton1, M. Carroll, S. Arrowsmith, et al. A. Mania, I. Sarris. (2023). Investigating the use of zygote number to identify good prognosis patients for blastocyst transfer. Belfast, 10/1/2023.
E. Woodland, M. Carroll (2023). Improving ICSI success rates following root cause analysis and use of system behaviour charts. Belfast, 10/1/2023.
H. Staples, A. Barrie, M. Carroll, A. Campbell (2023). Does the time of spermatozoa incubation prior to insemination of oocytes affect ART outcomes?. Belfast, 10/1/2023.
L. Abreu, E. Linara-Demakakou, M. Carroll, K. Ahuja1 (2022). Differences in morphokinetic patterns and clinical outcomes between fresh and frozen oocytes; a retrospective analysis. Milan – Italy, 2/7/2022.
S. Maroof, R. Henkel, M. Osmundson, E. Andersen, Y. Lodge, et al. M. Carroll, A. Campbell. (2022). Comparison of three methods of semen analysis: A novel at-home sperm test kit, a computer-assisted assessment and an embryologist. Milan, Italy, 2/7/2022.
K. Wilkinson, M. Carroll (2022). Balancing fertility treatment and employment: three types of ‘labour’ and resulting work-life conflict.
M. Shehzad, A. Brunt1, H. Bhandari, M. Carroll, K. Thompson (2022). Investigating the relationship between sperm Oxidative-Reduction Potential (ORP) and fertilisation rates in Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) and Recurrent Miscarriage (RM) patients. 5/1/2022.
E. Aston, M. Carroll, D. Hulme (2022). Time-lapse analysis of re-expansion of warmed blastocysts: is re-expansion related to pregnancy outcome?. 5/1/2022.
A. Cohen, M. Carroll, A. Rattos (2022). Retrospective data analysis comparing pregnancy and live birth outcomes at different times of embryo transfer post-insemination.
K. Wilkinson, C. Mumford, M. Carroll (2021). Complex fertility journeys: negotiating ‘potential parenthood’ and paid employment.
K. Wilkinson, C. Mumford, M. Carroll (2021). 'Can rhythm intelligence challenge the silence around fertility work?.
S. Berneau, M. Shehzad, MN. Al-Khaiqani, M. Al-Gazi, D. Brison, et al. A. Povey, M. Carroll. (2020). The effect of lifestyle on human sperm count and progressive motility. Edinbirough, 8/1/2020.
SC. Berneau, J. Shackleton, CLARE. Nevin, B. Altakroni, G. PAPADOPOULOS, et al. G. Horne, D. Brison, C. Murgatroyd, M. Carroll. (2019). Testing association of sperm telomere length with semen parameters, clinical outcomes and lifestyle factors in human normozoospermic samples. In: Fertility 2019. Birmingham, UK, 2/1/2019.
MKA. Al-Gazi, S. Bradburn, S. Sugden, M. Ahmed, A. Greenstein, et al. C. Murgatroyd, M. Carroll. (2018). Investigating the expression of sperm-specific microRNAs in a mouse model of obesity. In: HUMAN REPRODUCTION. Barcelona, SPAIN, 1/6/2018. pp.179-179.
C. Nevin, B. Altakroni, A. Povey, C. Murgatroyd, DR. Brison, et al. M. Carroll. (2015). Environmental and lifestyle factors associated with sperm DNA methylation. In: HUMAN REPRODUCTION. Lisbon, PORTUGAL, 14/6/2015. pp.172-172.
M. Carroll, C. Nevin, L. McNeil, C. Murgatroyd, D. Brison, et al. N. Ahmed. (2015). Using an in vitro system to investigate advanced glycation endproduct-induced damage in human sperm. In: Human Fertility. pp.295-295.
M. Carroll, MK. Al-Gazi, C. Nevin MicroRNA expression and sperm motility. Newcastle Upon Tyne,
Nevin C and Carroll M. (2015) Sperm DNA Methylation, Infertility and Transgenerational Epigenetics. J Hum Genet Clin Embryol, 1: 004
Al-Gazi MK and Carroll M. (2015) Sperm-Specific MicroRNAs - Their Role and Function. J Hum Genet Clin Embryol, 1: 003
Expert reviewer for external funding bodies:
Reviewer: Medical Research Council research grants; The NIHR Public Health Research (PHR) Programme; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Reviewer for several peer review journals
BMJ Case Reports; Human Reproduction; Reproduction; Reproductive BioMedicine Online; Gene (Elsevier); The Journal of Biological Education; Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology; Scientific Reports; Reproduction, Fertility and Development, Human Reproduction.
Grants / Funding
Society for Reproduction and Fertility conference attendence fund (2020)
Co-applicant with Krystal Wilkinson (PI) in the Department of Management on successful Leverhulme
research grant [Social Science] entitled “An exploration of fertility/pre-conception and work” - award: (£85,134)
Associaiton of Clinical Embryologists Research Grant 2019 (£1000)
Recipient of the IBMS research grant - 2014 (£5K)
Recipient of the Accelerator research grant (MMU) - 2012 (£5K)
Awarded Science Communication Champion (for public engagement) – 2013 (£500)
Faculty PhD studenship -2012 (£60K)
Scientific Advisor - HABSelect Steering Committee
[HABSelect: Selection of sperm for Assisted Reproductive Treatment by prior hyaluronic acid binding: increasing live birth outcomes and reducing miscarriage rates - multicentre, randomised controlled, blinded trial]
Senior Deputy - Andrology Special Interst Group, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Public and Media Engagement
My reputation as a reproductive scientist and communicator has led me to be invited to write and comment on issues concerning fertility and infertility in many major news and media outlets and events.
Including:
The Fertility Show, Manchester 2019 – invited expert panellist to discuss male infertility and answer questions to the general public.
Met Magazine (2018) Spring / Summer ‘A Common Thread: how Manchester Metropolitan strives to make a difference at every step in our lives.
Met Magazine- (2018) Autumn / Winter ‘The Joy of Parenting’
Visit Manchester website: Facts of life: Celebrating Manchester’s role in the birth of 8 million IVF babies. Interviewed to highlight MMUs role in leading IVF and reproductive science research and education in Manchester and the UK [July 2018].
BBC Radio Humberside - Invited for a live expert interview -Infertility and 40th anniversary of IVF [July 2018]
That’s TV Manchester - video interview. IVF and infertility and MMU’s role in clinical science training [over 1400 views) [July 2018]
BBC Radio Bristol – Invited for a live expert interview on the Laura Rawling’s show to discuss the impact IVF has had over the past 40 years Infertility and 40th anniversary of IVF [Nov. 2017].
The Fertility Show (2017 and 2018) London and Manchester.
Associated Fertility Societies - invited as an impartial expert consultant on issues concerning infertility causes and treatments. This was to inform the public in attendance.
NewScientist How you live affects your sperm - and perhaps your future children too
NewScientist: Sperm age calculator tells men how decrepit their sperm are
I am keen on public engagement of science and I have delivered lectures at numerous events including Manchester Science Festival and BioSoc. I have had media coverage of my research.
Explainer: how can twins have different fathers?
How can twins have two different fathers?
Men Only - How To Help Your Man Through Male Infertility. Fertility Road
Semen allergy - Daily Mail coverage
Science Communication Champion award - 2013
• Reviewer: BMJ Case Reports
• Reviewer: Reproduction
• Reviewer: Reproductive BioMedicine Online
• Reviewer: Gene (Elsevier).
• Reviewer: The Journal of Biological Education (Society of Biology)
• Reviewer: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• Reviewer: Medical Research Council researtch grants
• Reviewer: The NIHR Public Health Research (PHR)Programme
Michael is a visiting Professor of Reproductive Physiology in the School of Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies [Northumbria University Newcastle campus].
Member of the editorial board for the Journal of Human Genetics and Clinical Embryology
• Professional member of Diabetes UK
• Member of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
• Fellow of The Royal Society of Biology (FRSB, CBiol)
• Member of The Association of Clinical Embryologists
• Member of The Society for Reproduction and Fertility
• Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Embryology (ACE)
• Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS)
• Member of the British Andrology Society
• Member of the Association of Biomedical Andrologists