PhD candidate Gene Therapy and Proteomics at the University of Cambridge
Biography
Research in Kathryn Lilley’s group in collaboration with AstraZeneca. Currently using novel spatial proteomics approaches to investigate the mechanism by which adeno-associated viral vectors are secreted from HEK293-VP cells during manufacturing. The aim is to gain insight into the secretory pathway and to understand why some serotypes are secreted whilst others are retained within the cells. Such insight could lead to optimisation of manufacturing processes.
Education
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University of Cambridge
PhD Biochemistry
2021 - 2025
Using novel (expression and spatial) proteomics methods to investigate interactions of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors with HEK293-VP cells during manufacturing. Specifically, I am interested in determining how AAVs are secreted into the cell media, and why this secretion is only observed for certain AAV serotypes with others being retained within the cells.
The primary motivation for my research is a collaboration with AstraZeneca to enhance the efficiency of AAV vector manufacturing. If AAVs were able to be harvested from cell media rather than lysates, fewer downstream processing and purification steps would lead to cheaper manufacturing with higher yields.
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Imperial College London
Master's degree Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells - Novel Therapies Distinction
2020 - 2021
MSc Academic Representative
Research: 6-month project investigating polymeric carriers for delivery of an RNA therapeutic to pancreatic cancer cells. Specifically, evaluating cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of different polymeric architectures.
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Imperial College London
Bachelor of Science - BSc Biological Sciences 1st Class Honours
2017 - 2020
Activities and Societies: Imperial College Data Science Society
Literature Research 2nd Year: Review of electroceuticals as a novel approach to cancer management. Specifically, considering dopamine and acetylcholine pathways as potential targets for electrical stimulation.
Literature Research 3rd Year: Review of the prospect of gene drives as a method of agricultural pest control. Specifically, the upcoming gene drive technologies (particularly CRISPR-based drives) were evaluated from a political, economic, social and technological perspective
Publications
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Clinical potential of nerve input to tumours: A bioelectricity perspective
Bioelectricity March 16, 2021
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Nerve input to tumors: Pathophysiological consequences of a dynamic relationship
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Reviews on Cancer August 21, 2020
How does the polymer architecture and position of cationic charges affect cell viability?
Polymer Chemistry December 7, 2022
Teaching and Supervisions
2024/2025:
- Expression proteomics analysis in R - Training Lead, Trainer
2023-2024:
- Data Visualisation - Trainer
- Analysis of expression Proteomics data in R - Training Lead, Trainer
- Core Statistics - Trainer
2022/2023:
- NST Part II BBS Bioinformatic, Computational Proteomics - Trainer
2023/2024:
- Analysis of expression Proteomics data in R - Trainer
- NST Part II BBS Bioinformatic, Computational Proteomics - Trainer
