Student profiles - 2019 cohort

Sam Ackerley

Sam Ackerley

University College London (UCL)

Research:

I am currently working in the Davies Functional nanomaterials group based in UCL’s Department of Chemistry. 

My PhD project encompasses aspects of Materials Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and continuous flow processing techniques to produce and develop novel hybrid materials with unique properties for the purposes of targeting disease and monitoring drug release via non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging. Currently, there is an inability to target and monitor drug delivery in vivo, in real time using non-invasive techniques. My project, in collaboration with AstraZeneca, will aim to solve this significant challenge through the development of highly specialised nanocomposites and the combination of imaging, targeting and delivery of a therapeutic.

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Nour All Ahham

Nour Allahham

University College London (UCL)

Research:
My PhD project title is 'Developing a siRNA formulation platform' and I am under the supervision of Dr Asma Buanz

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Experience:

Before coming to the UK, I completed my undergraduate degree at the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Damascus, achieving a First-Class Honour degree in 2015. I worked in cosmeceutical manufacturing as a formulation scientist and a QC specialist for almost two years.

I first joined the UCL School of Pharmacy as an MSc student in Pharmaceutical Formulation and Entrepreneurship in 2017. I completed with a Distinction.

After that, I joined FabRx(a spin-out company from UCL) as a Senior Formulation Scientist and Business Development Specialist. I contributed to the development of 3D printed formulations and medicines and was responsible for the communications with the regulatory bodies.

 
 
Savvas Dimiou

Savvas Dimiou

University College London (UCL)

Research:

For my PhD project, I am working under the supervision of Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu in UCL School of Pharmacy. I am investigating the delivery of nucleic acids as dry powder formulations through the pulmonary route, by examining novel cationic lipids/polymers as nucleic acid delivery vectors. One of the goals of my PhD is to investigate the lungs as a means of vaccination against viral infections, such as Covid-19. Inhaled vaccines can be particularly important as they make vaccination non-invasive and may also provide improved protection since they can induce an IgA-mediated mucosal immune response. The Covid-19 pandemic brough nucleic acid vaccines at the forefront of medicine and hence it is an exciting time to be working in this field.

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Experience:

I graduated with a BSc degree in Chemistry from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2017, achieving First-Class Honours. After graduation, I joined UCL School of Pharmacy for an MSc in Pharmaceutical Formulation and Entrepreneurship, which I completed in 2018 with Distinction.

After that, I worked as a Development Scientist and Project Manager for a year at Nanomerics Ltd synthesising and characterising nanomedicine formulations and developing bioanalytical methods for application in in vivo pharmacokinetic studies.

In 2019, I joined the CDT in Transformative Pharmaceutical Technologies at UCL to pursue a PhD. My UCL training project focussed on the intracellular delivery of NAD+ precursors for the generation of energy in mitochondrial diseases. My industrial placement was at AstraZeneca in Cambridge investigating hydrophobic ion pairing and the effect of using counter-ions to increase drug loading and vary the release profile of polymeric nanoparticle formulations.

 
 
Khaled El-Kassas

Khaled El-Kassas

University College Cork (UCC)

Research:
My work focuses on the physicochemical process of reconstitution. With regards to high concentration protein drug formulations. Dried using freeze-drying and comparable alternative techniques. I’d like to think that my work involves a bit of everything from physicochemical characterisation and manufacturing process optimization to mathematical modelling and big data statistical analysis.

Experience:

I graduated with a BSc in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical sciences from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alexandria, Egypt. After, I received a research internship at the University College Cork, Ireland. Working on the physicochemical characterisation of polysorbate 80 as a multicomponent surfactant. I stayed in UCC as a full-time student in the School of Pharmacy.

I enjoy painting and sketching, and the occasional good book. I am an avid runner and enjoy a jog every now and then in the lovely Irish countryside.

I'm looking forward to the next few years, learning as much as I can from my peers, my supervisors and everyone at the CDT!

 
 
Benjamin Fiedler

Benjamin Fiedler

University of Nottingham (UoN)

Research:

Broadly, my research interests revolve around manipulating the chemistry and formulation of nanoparticles to deliver drugs to challenging targets. As such, for my PhD I am developing targeted liposomes to deliver antibiotics to hard-to-treat populations of bacteria that can 'hide' within our immune cells. 

My project title is: 'Hide-and-Seek - targeted drug delivery to intracellular pathogens', under the supervision of Dr. Giuseppe Mantovani, Prof. Snow Stolnik-Trenkic, Dr. Veeren Chauhan and Dr. Nicholas Hobson (Pfizer).

Experience:

Before coming to Nottingham to start my PhD, I spent 4 years at the University of Sheffield completing my integrated Master's in Chemistry (MChem), focusing on synthetic and biological chemistry. Since joining the CDT I've gained further experience developing in vitro models of endothelial cell inflammation (3 months - UoN), and investigating the material properties of oligonucleotide formulations (3 months - AstraZeneca). 

When outside of the lab I spend most of my time cooking, playing guitar and wishing I wasn’t an Arsenal fan.

 
 

Toby King

Toby King

University of Nottingham (UoN)

My PhD project's goal is the optimisation of surfactant excipients in their role of preventing aggregation and improving stability of therapeutic formulations, with a multi-faceted approach consisting of in silico molecular dynamics studies that will feed into a quantitative model to map structure to stabilising activity. This will then inform and guide the synthesis and characterisation of novel surfactants.

Experience:

I graduated from Swansea University in 2016, with a 2:1 in Biochemistry, completing a Chemistry dissertation investigating Forster resonance energy transfer between DNA dyes.

After graduating, I enrolled on the University of Nottingham's Applied Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology with Entrepreneurship MSc course, featuring an industrial project at Marstons brewery to improve their microbial performance. I then worked as a laboratory technician in a Food Microbiology testing lab for a time before rejoining the Univeristy of Nottingham in 2019.

 

 

 
Laura McCoubrey

Laura McCoubrey

University College London (UCL)

Research:

I work in the Basit Research Group in UCL School of Pharmacy and focus on characterising the relationship between the human microbiome and medicines. The goal of my PhD is to uncover unknown interactions between pharmaceuticals and microbiota using advanced technologies, such as machine learning. I am working to exploit medicine-microbiome interactions for the development of new formulations designed to prevent or treat disease through the microbiome. Microbiome science is fast coming to the forefront of modern medicine, with new research revealing how human health relies on microbiome health being published daily. As such, it is an incredibly exciting time to be working in the field.

Experience:

I trained as a pharmacist, obtaining my Master of Pharmacy degree from The University of Nottingham in 2017. Following graduation, I worked in the NHS as a hospital pharmacist for 2 years before joining the CDT in 2019. During my first year of the CDT I worked on the 3D printing of microneedles at UCL, and the stabilisation of proteins during spray drying at Upperton Pharma Solutions in Nottingham. At the end of my 2nd year with the CDT I had the chance to complete a 6-week research collaboration in France, working in collaboration with colleagues at the Université de Lille. In my spare time I enjoy training with a taekwondo club, playing tennis, travelling, and reading.

 
 
Omar Mokrane

Omar Mokrane

University College London (UCL)

Research:

For my PhD project, I am working under the supervision of Prof. Andreas Schatzlein, Prof. Ijeoma Uchegbu and Dr Mariarosa Mazza on the delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 to brain for the treatment of CNS disorders. CRISPR-Cas9 has attracted significant interest in the scientific community due to its potential to permanently correct gene mutations implicated in disease pathogenesis. It’s applications in CNS disorders would be particularly substantial, where curative treatments are lacking despite the significant advancements in our understanding of the molecular basis of CNS diseases. However, CRISPR/Cas9 is a complex, multi-component modality and the CNS is protected by the formidable ‘ Blood-Brain Barrier’ which prevents access of therapeutics to their target site. I am keen to unravel the features of a delivery system that can overcome the challenges associated with delivering this pioneering technology to the CNS, aiding its translation to the clinic.

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Experience:

I completed my MPharm degree at King’s College London and spent several years practicing as a pharmacist in the local community before commencing my PhD.

As part of my first rotational project in the CDT, I used electrospinning technology to produce a drug-eluting nanofiber mat for the treatment of nerve injury. I also conducted in-vitro studies to investigate the neurotrophic effects of immunosuppressant drugs on neuronal cell lines. For my second rotational project, I was based at Astra Zeneca.

During my placement, I worked on the formulation of poorly soluble drugs using supersaturating techniques such as amorphous solid dispersions and mesoporous silica. I also investigated how the solid-state properties of amorphous compounds correlate with their crystallisation behaviour during dissolution. Outside of the lab I enjoy boxing, football, travelling and eating good food!

 
 
Monika Myslinska

Monika Myslinska

Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

Research: 
I am working on amorphous solid dispersions, which I try to get by spray-drying or hot melt extrusion. I am interested in the methods for enhancing bioavailability and solubility of poorly soluble drugs.

Experience:

I have a diploma in pharmacy from the Medical University of Warsaw (2019). Throughout my college years, I did several scientific internships in Poland, the UoN and University of Lincoln. I still support the activities of the Polish Pharmaceutical Student Association as an alumna.   
I did research for my Master thesis in the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne in France. Now I am pursuing my PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology in Trinity College Dublin (TCD).  
  
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, reading a good book or kayaking.

 
 
Fiona Smith

Fiona Smith

University of Nottingham

Research:
I am researching the intradermal delivery of insulin via microneedles. I am interested in the clinical translation of microneedle devices.

Experience:

I completed my Master of Pharmacy degree at Cardiff University in 2017. I then continued to practise as a clinical pharmacist before starting at The University of Nottingham in 2019. Since joining the CDT, I have completed a 3-month project on the optimisation of the production of CBD nanoparticles within Dr Marlow’s group. Thereafter, I completed a project on endotoxin detection at Astrazeneca. Having enjoyed the formulation aspect of both projects, I have decided to continue researching within this field and am currently exploring the strengths, weaknesses and potential opportunities surrounding microneedle devices and rational microneedle design.

Outside of work I enjoy reading and eating good food!

 
 
Ryan Trueman

Ryan Trueman

University College London (UCL)

Research:

For my PhD project, I am investigating the use of bioelectronics for regenerative medicine, by creating cell laden bioelectronic constructs comprised of proteins, novel organic semiconductors, and therapeutic cells to be used for aiding peripheral nerve regeneration. My project is co-supervised by Prof. James Phillips, Dr. Bob Schroeder & Prof. Alethea Tabor.

The project is quite multidisciplinary, with progress to date split between organic synthesis, electrical engineering, and cell culture. So far, novel biocompatible organic semiconductors have been synthesized within Schroeder and Tabor Laboratories. To test any systems in vitro, I have collaborated with Dr. Henry Lancashire from the Implanted Devices group in the UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering Department, to create a novel purpose-built electrical stimulation cell culture system. The cell culture system is currently being used to test any conductive tissue engineered constructs fabricated within the Phillips lab for application within peripheral nerve regeneration.

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Experience:

My experience prior to starting my PhD project has also been diverse and has exposed me to a large range of different scientific disciplines. As part of my first year, I conducted two short projects. The first was within the UCL Chemistry Department and focused on the synthesis of novel tumour responsive molecules using self-assembling peptide nanogels for cancer imaging and therapy. The second project was undertaken at AstraZeneca in Cambridge, within Pharmaceutical Sciences, Early Product Development. There, I was involved with the development a computational model for the prediction of lymphatic absorbance of novel drugs prior to preclinical testing, to aid the initial assessment of lead molecules during drug development.

I originally left education at 16, after completing my GCSEs. I then worked as a salesman/labourer in a demolition company for 2 years. I re-entered education as I was fascinated by advances in biotechnology and wanted to embark on a career at the cutting edge of pharmaceuticals and healthcare technology. In 2018, I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, with a BSc (Hons) in Biological Science, achieving an upper second-class degree. During the summer of my undergraduate degree, I completed internships at a Patient Report Outcomes agency, Adelphi Real World. At Adelphi Real World, my work focused on the experiences of patients and physicians with emerging and advanced treatments within autoimmune diseases.

In 2019, I graduated from the UCL School of Pharmacy with an MSc in Drug Discovery and Development, achieving a Distinction. In July 2021, I completed an Ironman UK Triathlon (140.6 miles of fun filled exercise in just under 16 and a half hours…!), raising over £1000 for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. I enjoy scuba diving, skiing, riding motorbikes and have previously jumped out of a plane as part of a solo skydive course. Apart from occasional adrenaline-seeking activities, I enjoy reading fantasy novels and cooking, which helps me relax somewhat.

 
 
Evangelia Tsolaki

Evangelia Tsolaki

University College Dublin (UCD)

Research:
I am working on the development of novel supramolecular complexes. These aim to modify the in-vivo solubility and permeability characteristics of poorly bioavailable drugs. Poorly soluble drug candidates, with dissolution rate limited oral bioavailability, are increasingly common in small molecule pharmaceutical development. My project aims to address these limitations and explain the potential of this novel formulation approach for orally dosed drug delivery.

Experience:

I have a bachelor's degree in pharmacy. I went on to complete a master's degree in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Development at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.   
 
During my master's thesis, I focused on patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), due to their susceptibility to various infections. In times of disease resurgence, these patients exhibit high level of colonization by microorganisms. They appear to contribute to the symptoms and the progression of the disease. To address this vicious circle of inflammation and infection, I designed and synthesized novel drug like molecules with dual mode of action; antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.