Meet our 2020 students

Name

Oliver Burman

Project Title

Next-generation biosensors for real-time, enhanced sensitivity antigen detection

This project is co-sponsored by the Institute of Chemical Biology EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training and the Defence and Science Technology Laboratory

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

I was studying an MSci in Chemistry with Molecular Physics at Imperial College London.

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

I had already worked with Dr. Aleksandar Ivanov and Prof. Joshua Edel on a project during my undergraduate which gave me a love for research that I hadn’t gotten from laboratory work before. Combined with the chance to collaborate with the Defence and Science Technology Laboratory with my other supervisor, Dr. Sarah Goodchild, on a project to work towards designing biosensors it was a no brainer to apply.

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

Good results! Success within the PhD definitely comes as peaks and troughs but very little is as satisfying as getting good data in the lab and things working as they theoretically should.

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I love dogs, I have three Labradors.

Name

Hannah Cooke

Project Title

Compartmentalised bio-membrane capsules as novel vaccine technologies

This project is co-sponsored by the Institute of Chemical Biology EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training and GSK

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

Before my PhD, I was undertaking an integrated master’s in chemistry (MChem) at the University of York, with my final year masters project supervised by Prof. David K Smith.

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

As I was writing up my master’s thesis at the York, I realised that I wasn’t ready to leave research, and so began searching for PhDs. This particular project aligned closely with areas that I had found interesting in my previous project, and therefore felt like the right direction to continue my research. The multidisciplinary nature of the ICB CDT also appealed greatly to me, along with the opportunity to train in additional areas like sci comm and human centred design. My PhD project is also in collaboration with GSK, through which I have developed a good professional relationship.

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

The ICB CDT has enabled me to develop so many important skills in addition to my PhD research, and I am excited to continue to develop these further. I’m also excited to collaborate with colleagues in research, many of which are from different science background to myself and am therefore excited to see how this benefits my research.

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I recently had my 15 seconds of fame by appearing in the Royal Institution’s Christmas Lectures during an internship there working on the production of the lectures.

Name

Rachel Healy

Project Title

Biomechanics of tumour cell extrusion and migration leading to metastasis using micron scale devices.

This project is jointly funded by the CRUK Imperial Centre and Institute of Chemical Biology EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training as a 4 year PhD

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

I did a BSc in genetics in University College Cork, I then took a year out to work and save before completing an MSc in Molecular Medicine at Imperial.

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

I was introduced to ‘organ on a chip’ microfluidic devices during my MSc and found the area fascinating. Microfluidic devices are a very interesting way to model and study cellular processes and diseases. I am also passionate about cancer research and my current PhD uses microfluidics to help understand the mechanisms involved in tumour cell metastasis.

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

The CDT offers a wide range of transferable skills, and I am particularly interested in science communication events and workshops.

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I worked as a chef throughout my time at university and I loved it.

Name

Charlotte Hudlerová

Project Title

Ultrasensitive prostate cancer screening based on miRNA sensing from whole blood 

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

MRes in Cancer Biology at Imperial College London

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

I chose to apply for this project because, as a cancer biologist, the multidisciplinary nature involving chemistry and bioengineering appealed to me. I believe that this collaborative approach is essential for tackling the complexities of cancer and finding innovative solutions. Additionally, the project's focus on cancer screening aligns perfectly with my commitment to early detection strategies, which are crucial for improving patient outcomes. I am excited about the potential impact on personalised therapies and treatment strategies. 

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

I'm looking forward to the diverse business and “soft” skills courses, that will help me translate research into practical applications and enhance my overall professional development.  

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

Former national softball champion, yet I still enjoy laid-back game of catch.

Name

Jake Samuel

Project Title

Cell-engineered synthetic chylomicrons for oral drug delivery applications

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

I was undertaking an MRes in Biomedical Sciences at Imperial College London under the guidance of Dr. Blerina Ahmetaj-Shala, Dr. Nick Kirkby and Prof. Jane Mitchell.

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

This project was appealing to me for several reasons:

1. The ICB CDT provides a vast amount of training outside of your PhD studies such as a media skills course with the BBC and the EVOLVE placement scheme.
2. This project is very multidisciplinary and has consequently fostered many new collaborations. For example, I have had the chance to work at the University of Oxford with Dr. Paul Holloway to develop 3-D lymphatic networks and at Queen Mary University of London with Dr. Clare Thompson to produce a model of the intestinal lymphatics.
3. My supervisors Dr. Nazila Kamaly and Prof. Oscar Ces have a strong track record of producing PhD graduates that go on to have successful careers in their respective fields.

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

The thing I looked forward to the most was the BOOST scheme. This is an initiative ran by the ICB CDT to provide students with funding to develop a start-up idea further. Myself, Hannah Cooke (ICL; ICB CDT) and Jonathan Bradshaw (ICL; iCase) were awarded £2000 to produce a prototype for a device that could detect heteroresistance in bacteria. We thoroughly enjoyed this experience and aim to use the BOOST scheme to leverage further funding in the future!

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I once told someone in a pub they were the absolute spitting image of my hero and Nottingham Forest legend Joe Lolley, and he seemed very perplexed by this. I was only told later that the perplexed man was, in fact, my hero and Nottingham Forest legend Joe Lolley.

Name

Vincent Saverat

Project Title

Directing protein modification in living systems with bifunctional molecules.

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

Before joining the ICB CDT, I completed a master’s degree in chemistry and life sciences at Paris Sciences et Lettres University. As part of this master’s degree, I undertook a 5-month internship in the Kawamura group in Newcastle University where I worked on the development of a peptide-based probe against NSD2, a protein involved in genes expression.

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

I was looking for a PhD project where I could learn and use modern chemical biology techniques as well as diving fully into the biotechnology world. Very few labs were fully combining chemistry and biology and were often proposing medicinal chemistry project instead. With the project proposed by Ed Tate and supported by the ICB CDT and MSD, I was able to apply my chemistry knowledge in the design of bifunctional molecules while learning and using new techniques such as cloning, cells transfection, and the identification of proteins with immunoblotting and proteomics.

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

The ICB CDT programme provided me with a lot of interdisciplinary skills. From the 4-day human-centred design retreat to the entrepreneurship BOOST grant, I believe that transferable skills gained from the ICB CDT extracurricular courses will help me for my future career outside academia. In fact, I am considering a career in Science Policy and will embark for a 3-month internship at the UK parliament where I seek to provide MPs and Peers with reliable and impartial scientific research. This placement is supported by the UKRI as well as the ICB CDT EVOLVE programme.

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I am involved in the public engagement programme at the Francis Crick Institute, and we often do off-site science communication events. I think it is important that scientists and researcher reach out the wider community to explain what they are doing and how.

Name

Hannan Seyal (he/him)

Project Title

Smart Bioisosteres: Beyond a spatial mimic to improved plant biology

Co-sponsored by the Institute of Chemical Biology EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training and Syngenta

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

Before joining the ICB at Imperial, I completed my MSci in Chemistry with Medicinal chemistry at the University of Glasgow. During my undergrad, I gained industrial research experience at F. Hoffmann la-Roche (Switzerland) within their medicinal chemistry department, and undertook a methodology driven total synthesis project within the Clark Group. I also come with an LLM in Medical Ethics, Human Rights and Intellectual Property, which I obtained through part-time study during my time at Glasgow. 

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

I was keen to continue working at the interphase of chemistry and biology, developing novel methodologies with industrial applications. Working in partnership with Syngenta the project offers exciting opportunities to continue to develop my previous research experience in isostere development and investigations as well developing new ways to make biologically relevant molecules 

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

I’m excited to be part of the ICB CDT, developing skills not only within the scope of my project but also within the context of prototyping, coding (in HackEDU), business development (in Business Catalyst) and science communication. I am also looking forward to being part of a diverse cohort of scientists, learning more about the field and the interconnection between different research disciplines.

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I am an avid baker and was shortlisted to be on the ‘Great British Bake off’ back when I was 17. Sadly, exam commitments prevented the potential television appearance(s).

Name

Karen Zhu

Project Title

Engineering synthetic cell translators to mediate human-cell communication

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

I completed my MSci at Imperial doing Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry afterwards I proceeded to complete a MRes as part of a 1+3 programme with the ICB CDT.

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

During my MSci final year project I performed research within the Membrane Biophysics Group and greatly enjoyed it so decided to pursue a PhD within the same group and field of research. The research interests me as it works at the interface between all of the sciences; with components based in biology, chemistry and physics, and helps us to understand the processes occurring within us. I work with a wide range of materials from proteins and DNA to nanoparticles and fluorocarbons so there is a wide range to experiment with and I have the freedom to delve into whatever avenues I would like without limiting myself to 1 specific discipline.

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

The team bonding and educational retreats that have been offered by the CDT have encouraged the broadening of horizons and thinking outside the box, which can be difficult when one is so immersed in a small niche, as in a PhD. It is easy to lose oneself in ones’ research and these retreats and activities have been a welcome break to consider the bigger picture which has been really fun and educational.

The EVOLVE program that is offered as part of the CDT is also something that I hope I can do before the end of my PhD as it too offers the ability to explore outside of our research and think about more options outside of just academia.

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I always end up knowing everyone’s secret santa every year (often by people asking for suggestions), and one year even deduced who was giving to me by eliminating everyone else.

Name

Aileen Cooney (she/her)

Project Title

Engineering motile artificial cells  

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

Living a happy existence in Tokyo whilst on the Daiwa Scholarship in Japan (if you are a UK citizen definitely check it out!)

This studentship is funded by the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships Centre for Cellular Bionics

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

The origin and engineering of life is something inherently interesting and so this project on artificial cells caught my eye. I was also interested in the interdisciplinary nature of chemistry, biophysics and engineering, and the opportunity to use lots of microscopy. 

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

The chance to develop non-technical skills such as in science communication and entrepreneurship. And of course meeting lots of new people!

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I coach a women’s boxing class on Saturday mornings in East London – feel free to reach out if you’re interested in joining!

Name

Sabrina Pia Nuccio

Project Title

Light-controlled editing of epigenetic modification in breast cancer cells

This studentship is funded by the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships Centre for Cellular Bionics

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

I was part of a predoctoral program in Switzerland after my master, which involved one year of internships in different labs across Swiss universities to deepen my knowledge in genome engineering.

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

The driving force behind choosing my project was the perfect combination of my two favourite scientific topics: epigenetics and genome engineering, with a touch of chemistry. I have always believed that the mechanistic study of cancer biology can benefit from the application of chemistry in an attempt to untangle many current unanswered questions.

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

The supportive environment of the CDT programme which fosters your growth from various perspectives, both scientifically and personally. It achieves this by organising diverse events that highlight multiple professional pathways a scientist can explore. Additionally, the programme encourages networking among students through a weekly breakfast event (making sure your morning starts in the right way)!

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

My 2024 resolutions include learning how to cycle (I was always afraid when I was a kid)!

Name

Lino Prados Martin

Project Title

Bi-directional optogenetic control of biohybrid actuators

This studentship is funded by the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships Centre for Cellular Bionics

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

I was doing an MRes in Nanomaterials.

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

Project title: Bi-directional optogenetic control of biohybrid actuators

I decided to work on biohybrid actuators because it comprised multiple disciplines including tissue and genetic engineering, stem cell biology and microfabrication. All of these were areas that I was really interested on, and this multidisciplinary project was a really good way of combining them.

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

Through my more than 3 years in the CDT programme I have developed not only scientific skills but also communication and social skills that I am sure will be very useful for my professional career in the future. Now I am looking forward to continue growing by putting together a good thesis and viva to finish the PhD.

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

Doing a PhD is being a really good and fun experience, but I don’t know how I ended up here, it never crossed my mind when I was a younger student.

Name

Katherine McPhie

Project Title

Chemical Biology Approaches to Study the Ubiquitin System

This project is funded by The Francis Crick Institute and the Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London.

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

I completed my undergraduate integrated masters degree at the University of Strathclyde, in Glasgow, Scotland. My course was the MChem Chemistry with Drug Discovery, during which I got to spend a year studying abroad at Trinity College Dublin, and after that, a year in industry at GSK, Stevenage working in the medicinal chemistry team.

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

Before my PhD, I had a very organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry heavy background, and I wanted to take a step back and explore the whole drug discovery process, including the biological target evaluation and hit-finding stages, while still maintaining my chemistry skills. I’m based at the Francis Crick Institute which is an inspiring place to do a PhD, and the Rittinger Lab are a great team of people to work alongside! My PhD project is also in collaboration with GSK, so it’s been really helpful to have the expertise, resource and insight from an industry perspective too.

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

There are so many training and development opportunities, and the CDT team are very supportive!

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I had lived in three different countries before the age of 4, so I was a well-travelled toddler!

Name

James Zhang

Project Title

Investigating the mode of action of NMTi in neuroblastoma

This project is funded by CRUK Convergence Science Centre

What were you doing before enrolling in the ICB CDT Programme?

I was studying for a Masters in Chemistry.

Why did you choose to apply for your particular project?

I applied for this project as it was a multidisciplinary project, and allowed me to expand my skills beyond the organic synthetic skills I had developed previously.

What are you looking forward to the most within the CDT programme?

I’m nearing the end of my time with the CDT now, but I enjoyed getting to know the rest of my cohort especially during retreats.

Please tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I enjoy hip-hop dance in my free time.