Dr Charles Debieux
Dr Charles Debieux
Head of Secondary School
Charles began his formal education at the University of Leeds, UK, where he studied for a degree in Biochemistry and Medical Biochemistry, followed by a Masters in Research. His research was on blood vessel development after the onset of a stroke and how modern genetics can be used to regrow blood vessels to the oxygen starved part of the brain, a process known as Angiogenesis. After this fascinating project he obtained a PhD in Molecular Biology at Newcastle University, UK, where he conducted research on the childhood disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy, published numerous papers in international journals and presented at a scientific conference in New York. After Charles formal training he continued with his research career, but this time in the field of Bioengineering at the University of Exeter, funded by the British Research Council and Shell UK. This research was focused on genetically engineering Micro-organisms to produce Bio-diesel and remove pollutants caused by extracting fossil fuels. During this project he discovered and named a novel gene and was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (USA). Outside of Science Charles has a passion for adventure and travel. He has visited a variety of countries around the world and one of his favorite trips was spending four weeks bush camping in Africa, travelling through Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. While he delights in the natural wonders of the world, he still enjoys the glitz and glamour of a city.
