Resty Tocmo
-
+44 (0) 118 378 5914
-
Lecturer
- Undergraduate Admissions Tutor
- Module convenor for Food System Challenges (FB1FSC)
- Lab manager: Lab 3.13 (Nutritional Immunology lab) and Lab 4.01a (Tissue Culture lab)
- Supervising PhD, MSc and undergraduate research students
Office
2-44Building location
Harry NurstenAreas of interest
My primary interest is in the modulation of immune function through nutrients and dietary bioactives. Current projects in my group investigate the relationships between specific nutrients (e.g., dietary proteins and fatty acids) and immune responses. We focus on the modulation of innate (macrophages) and adaptive (CD4+ T cells) immune responses through direct (e.g., metabolism of nutrients by immune cells and its signalling effects) and indirect (gut microbiota-mediated) mechanisms. We have a particular interest in the modulation of immune responses through mechanisms mediated by redox-active signalling pathways, e.g., Nrf2, NF-κB, and STATs.
Other key interests in the group include:
- Nutritional profiling and investigations into the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of nutrients and bioactives from sustainable ingredients, foods and beverages
- Immunomodulatory and antioxidant mechanisms of dietary bioactives
- Dietary modulation of gut barrier function and gut microbiota-host immune interactions
Postgraduate supervision
As lead supervisor:
2025-2029: Xiaohang Ren, MSc; Supported by a Royal Society research grant. PhD project: Redox-mediated mechanisms of conjugated fatty acids in modulating adaptive immune responses; Co-supervised by Professor Parveen Yaqoob
2025-2029: Wen Wen, MSc; Supported by a British Council International Science Partnership Fund grant. PhD project: Exploring the impact of dietary protein in modulating macrophage polarisation; Co-supervisor: Prof. Dimitris Charalampopoulos
2025-2029: Abbie Glenn Estribillo, MSc; Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Fellow. PhD project: Modulating age-related gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammaging through fermented foods; Co-supervisor Prof. Parveen Yaqoob
As co-supervisor:
2024-2028: Arwa Alathbah, MSc; PhD project: Effect of thermal processing on the digestibility and allergenicity of plant protein-based alternative milk; Co-supervising with Prof. Dimitris Charalampopoulos (lead supervisor)
Dr Tocmo is open to PhD applications from candidates with a basic science background. Funding notes: We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide. If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact ahead of the deadlines as we may be able to support you in your application.
Research centres and groups
- Member of Food Microbial Sciences Unit
Research projects
The Good Food Institute Research Grant (PI): Single-cell protein from Yarrowia lipolytica and its applications in meat alternatives; 2026-2028
British Council International Science Partnerships Fund Research Collaborations (PI): Upcycling of virgin coconut oil processing by-products into coconut protein-based ingredients; 2024–2026
The Royal Society Research Grant (PI): Investigating the immunomodulatory mechanisms of nitro-conjugated fatty acids in CD4+ T cell differentiation; 2024–2025.
Background
Dr Tocmo is an assistant professor in food and nutritional sciences. He joined the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø after his research fellowship at the School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University (as a Marie-Curie/Enterprise Ireland Research Fellow). He conducted postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (with Prof Kirk Parkin; Department of Food Science) and University of Illinois at Chicago (with Prof. Jeremy Johnson, College of Pharmacy).Academic qualifications
- PhD in Food Science, National University of Singapore
- MSc in Food Science and Technology, Cornell University
- BSc in Food Technology, University of the Philippines Mindanao
Professional bodies/affiliations
- Fellow of the Advance HE, 2025