Dr Michael Carroll PhD, FRSB, FIBMS, FHEA, FLS, ANSHCS
Reader in Reproductive Science - Course director, MSc Clinical Science / Cellular Science
My profile
Biography
Dr Michael Carroll is a Reader in Reproductive Science and the course director for the MSc in Clinical Science / Cellular science. This is the academic component for the Scientist Training Program (STP), which is part of the Department of Health’s Modernising Science Careers (MSC). The MSC is a UK-wide government initiative to address the training and education needs of the whole healthcare science workforce in the National Health Service (NHS).
The Cellular Science STP is designed to train and educate clinical embryologists, andrologists and histopathologists for the UK clinical workforce.
Michael studied Toxicology (Athlone Institute of Technology, Eire) and Biomedical science (University of Bradford). After completing a PhD in reproductive cellular physiology from the University of Newcastle he went on to do post doctoral positions at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UT Southwestern, Dallas - The CNRS, Station Zollogique, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France and at Southampton University. After his time in research Michael trained as a clinical embryologist (obtaining the ACE postgraduate certificate in clinical embryology) and worked in a busy IVF clinic before being appointed as a lecturer in reproductive science at MMU.
Michael is a Visiting Professor of Reproductive Physiology in the School of Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies [Northumbria University Newcastle campus].
Michael’s research interest includes reproductive cell biology, andrology, investigating lifestyle and environment effects on human sperm, and evolutionary biology.
Words of wisdom
Read more, and take responsibility for your own learning.
Academic and professional qualifications
BSc, PhD, PgCAP, CBiol, FRSB, FIBMS, FHEA, FLS
Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Embryology (Associate of Clinical Embryology)
Other academic service (administration and management)
Management Responsibilities
• Course Director: MSc Clinical Science (STP Cellular Science)
• Academic Lead: Reproductive Science (STP / HSST)
• Academic Lead for MSc Clinical Science Network.
• Research Lead (interim): Genetics, Cells and Molecular Biology research group [2015-2016].
• Postgraduate student supervision
• Research development reviewer for PhD students
• Interim Applied Biomedical Science student placement tutor (2013 - 2014).
External examiner roles
External Subject Specialist for the St George’s University/Northumbria University programme approval event. Expert reviewer for external funding bodies
Expert reviewer for external funding bodies:
Reviewer: Medical Research Council research grants; The NIHR Public Health Research (PHR) Programme; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Reviewer for several peer review journals
BMJ Case Reports; Human Reproduction; Reproduction; Reproductive BioMedicine Online; Gene (Elsevier); The Journal of Biological Education; Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology; Scientific Reports; Reproduction, Fertility and Development, Human Reproduction.
Consultancy and advisory roles
Scientific Advisor - HABSelect Steering Committee
Senior Deputy - Andrology Special Interst Group, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Prizes and awards
Science Communication Champion award - 2013
Expert reviewer for external funding bodies
• Reviewer: BMJ Case Reports
• Reviewer: Reproduction
• Reviewer: Reproductive BioMedicine Online
• Reviewer: Gene (Elsevier).
• Reviewer: The Journal of Biological Education (Society of Biology)
• Reviewer: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• Reviewer: Medical Research Council researtch grants
• Reviewer: The NIHR Public Health Research (PHR)Programme
- Member of The Life Sciences Themed Board, National School of Healthcare Science
Visiting and honorary positions
Michael is a visiting Professor of Reproductive Physiology in the School of Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies [Northumbria University Newcastle campus].
Editorial Board membership
Editor - Research Topic
Genetics and Epigenetics of Male Infertility | Frontiers Research Topic (frontiersin.org)
Frontiers Reproductive Health Andrology
Membership of professional associations
• Professional member of Diabetes UK
• Member of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
• Fellow of The Royal Society of Biology (FRSB, CBiol)
• Member of The Association of Clinical Embryologists
• Member of The Society for Reproduction and Fertility
• Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Embryology (ACE)
• Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS)
• Member of the British Andrology Society
• Member of the Association of Biomedical Andrologists
Interests and expertise
I am a reproductive scientist with a background in reproductive cell physiology, clinical embryology, andrology and sperm biology research. I use this research and clinical experience to deliver engaging teaching.
I am also active in public engagement of science delivering subjects such as reproductive science, IVF, and evolution to a wider audience.
Teaching
How I’ll teach you
My teaching style is to provide students with the underlying principles from which they can build upon through reading around the topic. I encourage students to want to learn.
Why study…
We all are the products of reproduction -
Postgraduate teaching
I am the programme lead for the MSc Clinical Science network, which is the network covering several clinical science disciplines. I am the course director for the MSc Clinical Science / cellular science. I teach all aspects of reproductive biology and clinical embryology.
In addition I teach on the MSc Biomedical Science programme.
Subject areas
Reproductive Science, clinical embryology, andrology, cell and molecular science
Supervision
PhD student - Clare Nevin (2012 -2016), Principle Supervisor
PhD student - Maha Al-Gazi (2014 - 2019), Principle Supervisor
PhD student - Ana-Maria Tomova (2016 - 2020), Principle Supervisor
PhD student - Emma Clear (2018 - ), Co-Supervisor
PhD student - Steve Bradburn (2013 - 2016), Co-Supervisor
PhD student - Reema A S Alyamani (2015-2018), Co-Supervisor
MRes Student - Louise Waddilove (2017 - 2018), Principle Supervisor
MRes Student - Mahaah Shehzad (2016 - 2017), Principle Supervisor
MRes Student - Ana-Maria Tomova (2015 - 2016), Principle Supervisor
In addition I supervise research project students on the MSc Biomedical Science programme and act as the academic supervisor for students on the MSc Clinical Science / Cellular Science programme (Reproductive Science).
I am the academic supervisor for the Doctorate of Clinical Science [Higher Specialist Scientist Training]
Research outputs
I have established a niche research area in molecular andrology and reproductive cell biology where I collaborate nationally and internationally. My lab uses a variety of techniques such as Pyro-sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing, MicroRNA and transcriptome analysis of sperm. We also are used conventional immunocytochemistry, Western Blotting and molecular biology techniques to investigate sperm biology and dysfunction..
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Books (authored/edited/special issues)
Carroll, M. (2018) Clinical Reproductive Science. Wiley-Blackwell.
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Chapters in books
Carroll, M. (2018) 'The Biology of Fertilization.' Clinical Reproductive Science. John Wiley & Sons,
Carroll, M. (2018) 'Disorders of Male Reproductive Endocrinology.' Clinical Reproductive Science. John Wiley & Sons,
Carroll, M., Tomova, A.M. (2018) 'Lifestyle and Environmental Impacts on Fertility.' Clinical Reproductive Science. John Wiley & Sons,
Berneau, S., Carroll, M. (2018) 'Human Embryo Development.' Clinical Reproductive Science. John Wiley & Sons,
Ebot, D., Hilal, H., Carroll, M. (2018) 'Fundamentals of reproductive endocrinology.' Clinical Reproductive Science. John Wiley & Sons,
Carroll, M., Nevin, C. (2015) 'Culture and maintenance of human embryonic stem cells: A potential source for vasculargenesis.' Handbook of Vascular Biology Techniques. pp. 55-64.
Slevin, M., Carroll, M., Murgatroyd, C., McDowell, G. (2014) 'Biophysical and molecular targets.' Cardiac Arrhythmias: From Basic Mechanism to State-of-the-Art Management. pp. 335-343.
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Media
Wilkinson, K., Mumford, C., Carroll, M. (2023) Fertility is becoming a workplace issue but employer support can create winners and losers.
Wilkinson, K., Carroll, M. (2021) The Business Case for More Fertility-Related Benefits and Support.
Carroll, M. (2021) Male fertility: how age affects men’s chances of having children.
Carroll, M. (2016) Explainer: how can twins have different fathers?.
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Reports
Wilkinson, K., Mumford, C., Carroll, M. Complex Fertility Journeys and Employment: How workers navigate fertility challenges, including fertility treatment, alongside work and employment, and what employers can do to help.. Manchester Metropolitan University.
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Journal articles
Wilkinson, K., Mumford, C., Carroll, M. (2023) 'Assisted Reproductive Technologies and work, employment and society: extending the debate on organisational involvement in/responsibilities around fertility and reproduction.' Work, Employment and Society,
Carroll, M., Tomova, A.M., Hunter, H.R. (2023) 'Exploring the use of problem-based learning in clinical embryology training.' Journal of Biological Education, pp. 1-9.
Mumford, C., Wilkinson, K., Carroll, M. (2022) ''Potential parenthood’ and identity threats: navigating complex fertility journeys alongside work and employment.' Gender, Work and Organization, 30(3) pp. 982-998.
Woodland, E., Carroll, M. (2022) 'Improving ICSI success rates following root cause analysis and use of system behaviour charts: the devil is in the detail!.' BMJ Open Quality, 11(4) pp. e002003-e002003.
Clear, E., Grant, R.A., Carroll, M., Brassey, C.A. (2022) 'A Review and Case Study of 3D Imaging Modalities for Female Amniote Reproductive Anatomy.' Integrative and Comparative Biology, pp. icac027-icac027.
Altakroni, B., Nevin, C., Carroll, M., Murgatroyd, C., Horne, G., Brison, D.R., Povey, A.C. (2021) 'The marker of alkyl DNA base damage, N7-methylguanine, is associated with semen quality in men.' Scientific Reports, 11
Fitzpatrick, J.L., Willis, C., Devigili, A., Young, A., Carroll, M., Hunter, H.R., Brison, D.R. (2020) 'Chemical signals from eggs facilitate cryptic female choice in humans.' Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 287(1928) pp. 20200805-20200805.
Berneau, S.C., Shackleton, J., Nevin, C., Altakroni, B., Papadopoulos, G., Horne, G., Brison, D.R., Murgatroyd, C., Povey, A.C., Carroll, M. (2019) 'Associations of sperm telomere length with semen parameters, clinical outcomes and lifestyle factors in human normozoospermic samples.' Andrology, 8(3) pp. 583-593.
Nevin, C., McNeil, L., Ahmed, N., Murgatroyd, C., Brison, D., Carroll, M. (2018) 'Investigating the Glycating Effects of Glucose, Glyoxal and Methylglyoxal on Human Sperm.' Scientific Reports, 8(1)
Carroll, M. (2018) 'The road to 1978: a brief history of fertility research.' The Biochemist, 40(3) pp. 4-7.
Bradburn, S., McPhee, J., Bagley, L., Carroll, M., Slevin, M., Al-Shanti, N., Barnouin, Y., Hogrel, J.Y., Paasuke, M., Gapeyeva, H., Maier, A., Sipila, S., Narici, M., Robinson, A., Mann, D., Payton, A., Pendleton, N., Butler-Browne, G., Murgatroyd, C. (2018) 'Dysregulation of CXC motif ligand 10 during aging and association with cognitive performance.' Neurobiology of Aging, 63pp. 54-64.
Bernalte, E., Carroll, M., Banks, C.E. (2017) 'New electrochemical approach for the measurement of oxidative DNA damageVoltammetric determination of 8-oxoguanine at screen-printed graphite electrodes.' Sensors and Actuators, B: Chemical, 247pp. 896-902.
Bagley, L., Slevin, M., Bradburn, S., Liu, D., Murgatroyd, C., Morrissey, G., Carroll, M., Piasecki, M., Gilmore, W.S., McPhee, J.S. (2016) 'Sex differences in the effects of 12 weeks sprint interval training on body fat mass and the rates of fatty acid oxidation and VO 2 max during exercise.' BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2
Nevin, C., Carroll, M. (2015) 'Sperm DNA Methylation, Infertility and Transgenerational Epigenetics.' Journal of Human Genetics & Clinical Embryology, 1(1)
Al-Gazi, M.K., Carroll, M. (2015) 'Sperm-Specific microRNAs - Their Role and Function.' Journal of Human Genetics & Clinical Embryology, 1
Slevin, M., Baldellou, M., Hill, E., Alexander, Y., McDowell, G., Murgatroyd, C., Carroll, M., Degens, H., Krupinski, J., Rovira, N., Chowdhury, M., Serracino-Inglott, F., Badimon, L. (2014) 'Novel methods for accurate identification, isolation, and genomic analysis of symptomatic microenvironments in atherosclerotic arteries.' Methods in Molecular Biology, 1135pp. 289-305.
Carroll, M., Horne, G., Antrobus, R., Fitzgerald, C., Brison, D., Helbert, M. (2013) 'Testing for hypersensitivity to seminal fluid-free spermatozoa..' Hum Fertil (Camb), 16(2) pp. 128-131.
Dumollard, R., Levasseur, M., Hebras, C., Huitorel, P., Carroll, M., Chambon, J.P., McDougall, A. (2011) 'Mos limits the number of meiotic divisions in urochordate eggs.' Development, 138(5) pp. 885-895.
Best, M., Carroll, M., Hanley, N.A., Piper Hanley, K. (2008) 'Embryonic stem cells to beta-cells by understanding pancreas development.' Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 288(1-2) pp. 86-94.
Levasseur, M., Carroll, M., Jones, K.J., McDougall, A. (2007) 'A novel mechanism controls the Ca2+ oscillations triggered by activation of ascidian eggs and has an absolute requirement for Cdk1 activity.' Journal of Cell Science, 120(10) pp. 1763-1771.
Carroll, M., Levasseur, M., Wood, C., Whitaker, M., Jones, K.T., McDougall, A. (2003) 'Exploring the mechanism of action of the sperm-triggered calcium-wave pacemaker in ascidian zygotes.' Journal of Cell Science, 116(24) pp. 4997-5004.
Hyslop, L.A., Carroll, M., Nixon, V.L., McDougall, A., Jones, K.T. (2001) 'Simultaneous measurement of intracellular nitric oxide and free calcium levels in chordate eggs demonstrates that nitric oxide has no role at fertilization.' Developmental Biology, 234(1) pp. 216-230.
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Non-peer reviewed articles / reviews
Carroll, M. (2023) ENHANCING CLINICAL REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCE EDUCATION: A DYNAMIC APPROACH TO CLINICAL EMBRYOLOGY AND ANDROLOGY EDUCATION THROUGH PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING.
Carroll, M. (2022) CLINICAL ANDROLOGY & EMBRYOLOGY STP – A NEW AND REVISED PROGRAMM.
Carroll, M. (2018) Higher Specialist Scientific Training (HSST) in Reproductive Science.
Carroll, M. (2012) Reactions to human semen: an intimate allergy.
Carroll, M. (2012) STP- All you need to know.
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Conference papers
Canton, G., Gibbons, R., Mania, A., Sarris, I., Carroll, M., Arrowsmith, S. (2023) 'Cleavage stage morphokinetic timings can predict the likelihood of aneuploidy in blastocysts.' 38. 25/6/2023 - 28/6/2023. Oxford University Press (OUP),
Staples, H., Barrie, A., Carroll, M., Campbell, A. (2023) 'Does the time of spermatozoa incubation prior to insemination of oocytes affect ART outcomes?.' In Fertility2023. Belfast, 10/1/2023 - 13/1/2023.
Weavers, L., Gibbons, R., Newton1, S., Carroll, M., Arrowsmith, S., Mania, A., Sarris, I. (2023) 'Investigating the use of zygote number to identify good prognosis patients for blastocyst transfer.' In Fertility2012. Belfast, 10/1/2023 - 13/1/2023.
Woodland, E., Carroll, M. (2023) 'Improving ICSI success rates following root cause analysis and use of system behaviour charts.' In Fertility2023. Belfast, 10/1/2023 - 13/1/2023.
Carroll, M. (2022) 'Covid’s Hybrid: evolution of teaching from experience during the pandemic.' In Bulgarian Academy of Science 4th International Scientific Conference. Varna, Bulgaria, 29/8/2022 - 2/9/2022.
Aston, E., Carroll, M., Hulme, D. (2022) 'Time-lapse analysis of re-expansion of warmed blastocysts: is re-expansion related to pregnancy outcome?.' In Fertility 2022. 5/1/2022 - 8/1/2022.
Maroof, S., Henkel, R., Osmundson, M., Andersen, E., Lodge, Y., Carroll, M., Campbell, A. (2022) 'Comparison of three methods of semen analysis: A novel at-home sperm test kit, a computer-assisted assessment and an embryologist.' In 38th Hybrid Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. 37. Milan, Italy, 2/7/2022 - 6/7/2022.
Abreu, L., Linara-Demakakou, E., Carroll, M., Ahuja1, K. (2022) 'Differences in morphokinetic patterns and clinical outcomes between fresh and frozen oocytes; a retrospective analysis.' In 38th Hybrid Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. 37. Milan – Italy, 2/7/2022 - 6/7/2022.
Wilkinson, K., Carroll, M. (2022) 'Balancing fertility treatment and employment: three types of ‘labour’ and resulting work-life conflict.' In Fertility Conference 2022.
Cohen, A., Carroll, M., Rattos, A. (2022) 'Retrospective data analysis comparing pregnancy and live birth outcomes at different times of embryo transfer post-insemination.' In Fertility 2022.
Shehzad, M., Brunt1, A., Bhandari, H., Carroll, M., Thompson, K. (2022) 'Investigating the relationship between sperm Oxidative-Reduction Potential (ORP) and fertilisation rates in Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) and Recurrent Miscarriage (RM) patients.' In Fertility 2022. 5/1/2022 - 8/1/2022.
Wilkinson, K., Mumford, C., Carroll, M. (2021) ''Can rhythm intelligence challenge the silence around fertility work?.' In Gender, Work and Organization.
Wilkinson, K., Mumford, C., Carroll, M. (2021) 'Complex fertility journeys: negotiating ‘potential parenthood’ and paid employment.' In European Group for Organization Studies.
Tomova, A.M., Hughes, J., Hunter, H., Brison, D., Ashworth, J., Murgatroyd, C., Carroll, M. (2020) 'The role of vasopressin in human sperm function.' In Fertility 2020 Conference. Edinburgh, 9/1/2020 - 11/1/2020.
Berneau, S., Shehzad, M., Al-Khaiqani, M.N., Al-Gazi, M., Brison, D., Povey, A., Carroll, M. (2020) 'The effect of lifestyle on human sperm count and progressive motility.' In Fertility 2020. Edinbirough, 8/1/2020 - 10/1/2020.
Berneau, S.C., Shackleton, J., Nevin, C.L.A.R.E., Altakroni, B., PAPADOPOULOS, G., Horne, G., Brison, D., Murgatroyd, C., Carroll, M. (2019) 'Testing association of sperm telomere length with semen parameters, clinical outcomes and lifestyle factors in human normozoospermic samples.' In Fertility 2019. Birmingham, UK, 2/1/2019 - 5/1/2019.
Al-Gazi, M.K.A., Bradburn, S., Sugden, S., Ahmed, M., Greenstein, A., Murgatroyd, C., Carroll, M. (2018) 'Investigating the expression of sperm-specific microRNAs in a mouse model of obesity.' In 34th Annual Meeting of the European-Society-of-Human-Reproduction-and-Embryology (ESHRE). 33. Barcelona, SPAIN, 1/6/2018 - 4/6/2018. OXFORD UNIV PRESS, pp. 179-179.
Nevin, C., Altakroni, B., Povey, A., Murgatroyd, C., Brison, D.R., Carroll, M. (2015) 'Environmental and lifestyle factors associated with sperm DNA methylation.' In 31st Annual Meeting of the European-Society-of-Human-Reproduction-and-Embryology (ESHRE). 30. Lisbon, PORTUGAL, 14/6/2015 - 17/6/2015. OXFORD UNIV PRESS, pp. 172-172.
Carroll, M., Nevin, C., McNeil, L., Murgatroyd, C., Brison, D., Ahmed, N. (2015) 'Using an in vitro system to investigate advanced glycation endproduct-induced damage in human sperm.' 18. Taylor & Francis: STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles, pp. 295-295.
Carroll, M., Al-Gazi, M.K., Nevin, C. (2014) 'MicroRNA expression and sperm motility.' In ACE 10th Biennial Conference. Newcastle Upon Tyne,
Career history
1998
PhD - Cellular Physiology
2002
Research Associate - Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UT Southwestern, Dallas
2004
Research Associate - The CNRS, Station Zollogique, VilleFranche sur Mer, France
2005
Research Fellow - Southampton University
2008
Clinical Embryologist (pre-registrant) - St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester Central NHS Foundation Trust
2011
Lecturer - Reproductive Science, MMU
2015
Senior Lecturer - MMU
2017
Andrologist - The Doctor’s Laboratory
2019
Reader - Reproductive Science
Press and media
Media appearances or involvement
Public and Media Engagement
My reputation as a reproductive scientist and communicator has led me to be invited to write and comment on issues concerning fertility and infertility in many major news and media outlets and events.
Including:
The Fertility Show, Manchester 2019 – invited expert panellist to discuss male infertility and answer questions to the general public.
Met Magazine (2018) Spring / Summer ‘A Common Thread: how Manchester Metropolitan strives to make a difference at every step in our lives.
Met Magazine- (2018) Autumn / Winter ‘The Joy of Parenting’
Visit Manchester website: Facts of life: Celebrating Manchester’s role in the birth of 8 million IVF babies. Interviewed to highlight MMUs role in leading IVF and reproductive science research and education in Manchester and the UK [July 2018].
BBC Radio Humberside - Invited for a live expert interview -Infertility and 40th anniversary of IVF [July 2018]
That’s TV Manchester - video interview. IVF and infertility and MMU’s role in clinical science training [over 1400 views) [July 2018]
BBC Radio Bristol – Invited for a live expert interview on the Laura Rawling’s show to discuss the impact IVF has had over the past 40 years Infertility and 40th anniversary of IVF [Nov. 2017].
The Fertility Show (2017 and 2018) London and Manchester.
Associated Fertility Societies - invited as an impartial expert consultant on issues concerning infertility causes and treatments. This was to inform the public in attendance.
NewScientist How you live affects your sperm - and perhaps your future children too
NewScientist: Sperm age calculator tells men how decrepit their sperm are
I am keen on public engagement of science and I have delivered lectures at numerous events including Manchester Science Festival and BioSoc. I have had media coverage of my research.
Explainer: how can twins have different fathers?
How can twins have two different fathers?
Men Only - How To Help Your Man Through Male Infertility. Fertility Road
Semen allergy - Daily Mail coverage