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Summary

I am a Senior Research Associate within the Enzyme Surface Array Group at the Centre for Enzyme Innovation (CEI) at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. As part of the P3EB Mission Hub project, I specialize in enzyme technologies for plastic deconstruction, focusing on optimizing enzyme surface array systems for high-throughput screening to accelerate the discovery of plastic-degrading enzymes and advance sustainable biotechnological solutions.

My expertise lies in structural biology, particularly in designing and implementing synthetic molecular switches with applications spanning bioprocessing and biosensing. I have a strong background in integrating structural nucleic acid technologies with bioinformatics and enzymology, allowing me to develop innovative approaches to complex biotechnological challenges.

I contribute to the research culture of CEI and the School of the Environment and Life Sciences, by actively collaborating with commercial partners to translate research into real-world applications. In addition to my research, I support the supervision and mentoring of junior researchers and students, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the scientific community.

Biography

I have been part of the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s research community since my undergraduate studies in Biochemistry (BSc Hons, 2015), followed by a funded MRes in Molecular Genetics in 2016. My interest in nucleic acid biology and biotechnology led me to pursue a BBSRC-funded Ph.D. under the supervision of Professor Anastasia Callaghan, where I explored the targeting of bacterial small RNAs for therapeutic applications. I completed my Ph.D. in 2021 and have since been engaged in interdisciplinary research including genomics, structural biology, enzymology, and biotechnology.

In addition to my research expertise, I have experience in computer programming and databases (Python, C++, SQL), data-driven decision-making, and analytical problem-solving. This diverse background strengthen my approach to innovation and collaboration, allowing me to work effectively with researchers across multiple disciplines.

Research interests

I am particularly interested in how artificial intelligence can enhance computational biology, with a focus on improving synthetic biology, regulating gene expression and advancing gene therapy development.

Beyond my core research, I have a strong interest in the ethical and governance aspects of scientific innovation. I am committed to exploring how sustainable biotechnological solutions can address global environmental challenges, ensuring that scientific advancements contribute to a more sustainable future.