Lynn Morgan, Clinical Immunologist
Microbiology BSc Honours, PhD, Medical Virology
DipRCPath Immunology (Professional qualification from the Royal College of Pathology)
While studying microbiology I was fortunate to have excellent teachers in Immunology and Virology and I was inspired to carry on studying both subjects further. I was particularly interested in the complexity of the immune system and its impact on survival of both the individual and the species.
Career History: After her PhD, Lynn worked as an academic researcher for several years gaining experience of molecular biology techniques and expanding her interest in microbial immunity and pathogenicity. In 1991, she joined the Regional Immunology Laboratory based in the RVI.
My present job has allowed me to put my years of training in microbiology, virology, immunology and molecular biology into service within the setting of a NHS diagnostic laboratory. I have combined an intensive “hands-on” training in existing laboratory protocols and diagnostic techniques with improving methods and adding new tests to the laboratory repertoire. These tests, mostly to examine cellular immune responses, have been valuable in the clinical diagnosis of immunodeficiencies and the management of bone marrow transplant patients in this region. I have also been involved in research having obtained grants jointly with my head of department.
My duties are varied but hinge around my role as Principal Scientist in a diagnostic laboratory dealing with clinical specimens from the North-East region. We cover all aspects of immunochemistry, autoimmunity, allergy and cellular immunology. I am involved in quality control and new tests development and work in liaison with laboratory staff and clinical users of our service. I also interpret test results and authorise reports to be sent out to General Practitioners and hospital doctors. Finally, I am involved in teaching and training within the laboratory as well as in my role as Lecturer at Newcastle University.
