Dr Emma Bird

BSc (Hons), PhD

School of Clinical Dentistry

Research Associate

Directorate Research - Co-ordinator

e.v.bird@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 215 9373
19 Claremont Crescent

Full contact details

Dr Emma Bird
School of Clinical Dentistry
19 Claremont Crescent
91探花
S10 2TA
Profile

I joined the Oral Neuroscience Research group as a Research Technician in 1996 and registered as a staff candidate for a part-time PhD, entitled 鈥淚mmunocytchemical studies on neuromas of branches of the trigeminal nerve鈥, which I completed in 2004 and was promoted to Research Associate. I have 20 years research experience working in the field of pain research with colleagues in neuroscience groups around the world and in collaboration with industry. 

My main research focus is in the mechanisms underlying nerve injury-induced and inflammatory pain, specifically in the orofacial region, arising as a consequence of trigeminal nerve injury. Recently I have developed a keen interest in the psychology of pain, in particular psychosocial factors and their role in chronic pain.

Research interests
  • Trigeminal nerve injuries including lingual and inferior alveolar nerves
  • Mechanisms of nerve injury-induced and inflammatory chronic pain
  • Psychology of pain including psychosocial factors depression, anxiety, coping, and catastrophisation
  • Sex and gender differences in pain

Current Projects:

  • Study of human lingual nerve and tooth pulp tissues to investigate the underlying mechanisms of chronic oro-facial pain
  • A novel role for the chemokine lymphotactin and its receptor in trigeminal sensitisation
  • Development of MRI in a preclinical model of chronic neuropathic pain
Publications

Journal articles

  • Bird EV, Iannitti T, Christmas C, Andreev V, King A & Boissonade FM (2018) . Neuroscience, 379, 334-349. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Bird EV, Christmas CR, Loescher AR, Smith KG, Robinson PP, Black JA, Waxman SG & Boissonade FM (2013) . Mol Pain, 9, 52. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Morgan CR, Bird EV, Robinson PP & Boissonade FM (2009) . Neurosci Lett, 465(2), 189-193. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Morgan CR, Bird EV, Robinson PP & Boissonade FM (2009) Immunohistochemical analysis of the purinoceptor P2X7 in human lingual nerve neuromas.. J Orofac Pain, 23(1), 65-72. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Bird EV, Robinson PP & Boissonade FM (2007) . Arch Oral Biol, 52(5), 494-502. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Robinson PP, Boissonade FM, Loescher AR, Smith KG, Yates JM, Elcock C, Bird EV, Davies SL, Smith PL & Vora AR (2004) Peripheral mechanisms for the initiation of pain following trigeminal nerve injury.. J Orofac Pain, 18(4), 287-292. RIS download Bibtex download
Research group
  • Hisham Shembesh - The effects of inflammatory cytokines on functional nerve recovery and development of neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve repair. Supervisors: Dr Simon Atkins, Dr Emma Bird, Prof Fiona Boissonade.
  • Diana Tavares Ferreira - Resolvin receptors expression in the nervous system. Supervisors: Prof Fiona Boissonade, Dr Dan Lambert, Dr Emma Bird.
Professional activities and memberships
  • University of 91探花 Thesis Mentor. Recognised as a dedicated outstanding thesis mentor
  • Journal reviewer for Archives of Oral Biology, Brain Research, Journal of Dental Research, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.