Centre for Synthetic Biology and the Bioeconomy

Staff Profile

Dr Miguel Velazquez

Lecturer in Reproductive Physiology

Background

I am a reproductive biologist interested in animal models to study reproductive and developmental biology issues. I joined Newcastle University in May 2015. I am member of the Society for Reproduction and Fertility (SRF) and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Area of expertise

  • Reproductive and Developmental Biology

Previous employment and academic visits

  • 2011-2015: Postdoctoral Research Fellow. University of Southampton, UK
  • 2005-2006: Part-time teacher. Autonomous University of Campeche (UAC), Mexico
  • Jan-April 2002: Visiting research assistant. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden
  • April-Nov 2000: Visiting research assistant. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Sweden

Academic qualifications

  • 2006-2010: PhD. Institute of Farm Animal Genetics- Friedrich Loeffler  Institute (FLI), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TIHO), Germany.
  • 2002-2004: MSc. University of Liverpool, UK.
  • 1994-1999: Bachelor degree in Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny (MVZ). Autonomous University of Yucatan (UADY), Mexico.

SCOPUS: Click here.
ORCID: Click here.

Research

My main research interest is reproductive biology with focus on environmental factors affecting oocyte developmental competence and preimplantation embryo development in mammalian species. My research also covers aspects of developmental programming (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease [DOHaD] concept. I’m interested in developing models addressing the long-term consequences (i.e. on postnatal life) of different maternal environments during intrauterine development. I work with in vitro and in vivo models and use a combination of physiological and molecular analytical tools. Some of the topics of my research include:

 

·         Metabolic hormones, growth factors and metabolites.

·         Aging

·         Malnutrition (i.e. undernutrition and overnutrition)

 

My research also involves a broad range of topics in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This includes the application of reproductive biotechnologies in livestock species, especially cattle, and the development of tools for ART applications. I’m also interested in exploring the interactions between behaviour and reproductive function.

Google scholar link: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?hl=en&user=tSDgdkkAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate





Teaching


ACE1040: Academic and Professional Skills

ACE1042: Animal Health

ACE1044: Introduction to Animal Physiology (Module leader)

ACE2035: Companion Animal Science

ACE2068: Domestic Animal Reproduction and Genetic Improvement

ACE3043: Livestock Reproduction

ACE3044: Companion Animal Reproduction  

ACE3048: Livestock Behaviour

ACE3049: Companion Animal Behaviour

Publications