BSc Biochemistry (University of Leeds)
PhD Biochemistry (University of Bristol)
My scientific career began in earnest with a degree in biochemistry at the University of Leeds, during which time I developed a strong interest in protein structure and function. After graduation I spent a couple of years working in a varied role as a Project Scientist for a pharmaceutical contract laboratory in North Yorkshire, before deciding to head for Bristol to study for a PhD. In Bristol I studied in Dr. Paul Race’s laboratory, where my work was focused around natural product biosynthesis, in particular, unravelling the cryptic mechanism of a natural Diels-Alderase.
As a postdoctoral researcher here in Leeds, I worked for a short time in the laboratory of Professor Richard Bayliss, using structural biology and protein biochemistry techniques to study an important family of protein kinases implicated in human cancers.
Most recently, I joined the Ranson group where I hope to utilise Leeds’ world class cryoEM facilities to characterise virus capsid structures. In particular, those of important plant viruses that have to date managed to evade structural biologists.
Outside of the lab, I’m a doting cat owner, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioner and avid video gamer.