I am currently the Regulatory and Engagement Manager for the CANDO project, which aims to develop an optogenetic implant for focal epilepsy.  I am responsible for leading on obtaining ethical and regulatory approvals and public and patient engagement including the project managing the Illuminating the Self project. This is an artistic response to the CANDO project, working with artists Susan Aldworth and Andrew Carnie as well as theatre group Operating Theatre. Together we have created and explored new ways to communicate and provoke discussion around epilepsy, optogenetics and the use of technology within the central nervous system. 

Prior to joining the CANDO team, I was a Research & Development Officer for The Newcastle  upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The R&D team is part of the Newcastle Joint Research Office which sees the Trust working in conjunction with Newcastle University to support medical research.  As part of my role I was responsible for reviewing studies wanting to run within the Trust, ensuring staffing and finances were in place and checking regulatory compliance prior to receiving R&D approval.  I also delivered training, undertook study audits and providing guidance and advice to researchers.

Qualifications

MSc with commendation Clinical Exercise Physiology, Northumbria University

BSc (hons) in Biology, Sheffield University

• White M, Mackay M, Whittaker RG. Taking Optogenetics into the Human Brain: Opportunities and Challenges in Clinical Trial Design. Open Access Journal of Clinical Trials 2020, 12, 33-41.
• White M, Whittaker R, Gandara C, Stoll EA. A Guide to Approaching Regulatory Considerations for Lentiviral-Mediated Gene Therapies. Human Gene Therapy Methods 2017, 28(4), 163-176.