Student profiles - 2023 cohort

Ruby Brown

University of Nottingham (UoN)

Research:

For my first research training project, I am working under the supervision of Dr Catherine Jopling and Prof. Snow Stolnik on the characterization of delivery methods for RNA therapeutics using multiple molecular biology approaches. This project aims to determine the success of the modification of a cell line for the degradation of specific endosomal proteins using the dTAG method. The cell line will then be used to determine the roles of the endocytic protein in mRNA delivery through the degradation of the target with the introduction of the dTAG ligand.

Experience:

I undertook my studies for both my BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Sciences and my MRes in Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham. My final year research project during my BSc was titled ‘Modulating Glioblastoma Multiforme Cell Behaviour using Electric Field Responsive Nanoparticles’. This led to me having the opportunity, during the summer between my BSc and MRes, to conduct a summer studentship, where I looked at stimulating the endosomal escape of cisplatin in cancer cells using electric fields.

During my MRes, I looked at the development of gold nanoparticle-silica core-shell encapsulated nanodiamond quantum sensors. While conducting this research I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to present it at the Royal Society of Chemistry’s 10^th Analytical Biosciences Group Early Career Researcher Meeting, where I received the short talk prize.

During my downtime, I enjoy reading and travelling. I like to stay active and enjoy attending yoga, kickboxing and dance classes.

Nga Man Cheng (Mandy)

University of Nottingham (UoN)

Research:

My PhD project involves investigating the interaction between RNA and lipids with a focus on how the structure of RNA impacts the transfection efficiency of RNA-lipid nanoparticles. In the project, I will be using molecular dynamics simulation and other biophysical characterisation methods to investigate the structure of RNA upon encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles.

This project is affiliated with Croda and is supervised by Dr Naoto Hori (UoN), Dr Pratik Gurnani (UCL), Prof Cameron Alexander (UoN), Dr Karen Alvey (UoN), Prof Zoe Waller (UCL) and Dr James Humphrey (Croda).

Experience:

Prior to joining the CDT, I completed my MSci in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Nottingham. My third-year research project involved the use of LC-MS to characterise the metabolites in Zanthoxylum Bungeanum and Zanthoxylum Schinifoium. In my placement year, I had the opportunity to work at Bristol Myers Squibb UK&I as a Junior Medical Affairs Associate and completed my fourth-year dissertation on the topic, “The Prospect and Challenges of Real-World Evidence Generation in Medical Affairs”.

When I am not in the lab, I enjoy spending my time swimming, running, or going to the gym. I also like travelling, hiking, playing the drums and the occasional alcoholic beverage(s).

Jean-Pierre Frem

Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

Research:

My current project is the biopharmaceutical assessment of excipients used in inhalation drug delivery. I’ll be studying the effect of inhaled excipients on in-vitro cytotoxicity, in-vitro drug dissolution, and ex-vivo drug permeation using an Isolated and perfused rat lung model. My project also includes formulating APIs and excipients into respirable powders.

Experience:

I graduated with a BSc in Pharmacy and an MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Lebanese American University’s School of Pharmacy in Lebanon. I also worked as a Research and Development Formulation Scientist in Pharmaline Sal, a renowned Pharmaceutical Industry in the region, where I focused on developing generic solid oral, liquid, and semi-solid dosage forms. Then I started my PhD journey at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2023.

I am confident that during my project, I’ll learn many new skills from my colleagues and my supervisors. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, learning new coding skills, discovering new places in Dublin, and meeting some friends.

Stefania Gardoni

University College London (UCL)

Research:

My PhD project aims to develop highly selective and responsive polymer nanocarriers for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the treatment of glioblastoma. My work is focused on developing new near-infrared (NIR) absorbing dyes for dual use as photoacoustic imaging probes, as well as leveraging the photothermal effect for controlled payload release. The project is undertaken the supervision of Prof. Bob C. Schroeder, Dr Maryam Parhizkar and Dr Racheal Dickman.

Experience:

In October 2022, I completed my Bachelor and Master’s single-cycle degree with distinction in Medicinal chemistry and Pharmaceutical technologies at the University of Pavia, Italy. Before my graduation, I spent six months at Queen Mary University of London working on my final experimental thesis within the Erasmus Traineeship program. My project was focused on the formation mechanism of metal-based nanocatalysts that can be used for green chemistry processes.

In November, I qualified as a pharmacist in Italy and before joining the CDT, in January 2023, I started a collaboration with the Department of Environmental and Health Sciences at the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, in Milan. Here I worked on different European projects aimed at developing in silico models to predict the toxicity and eco-toxicity of chemicals, in particular drugs.

As a super interdisciplinary person, in my spare time, I like painting, reading, hiking and crocheting.

Eve Gately

University of Nottingham (UoN)

Research:

My PhD research project is focused on correlating in vitro release performance and formulation characteristics of oral sustained release hydrophilic matrix tablets. Utilising machine learning methods the project aims to examine how physicochemical drug properties and other formulation characteristics affect release times and therefore attempt to predict optimal formulation design spaces for extended-release tablets. This will improve drug design pipelines by allowing formulation scientists to move from molecules to functional formulations more efficiently and bring new drugs to patients as quickly as possible.

My PhD project is under the supervision of Professor Mischa Zelzer, Professor Maria Marlow, Professor Jamie Twycross, and John McDermott of Quotient Sciences who are sponsoring my project.

Experience:

I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Reading, where I studied Biochemistry. My dissertation project aimed to identify under researched membrane proteins in colorectal and breast cancers using bioinformatic techniques, and utilised molecular modelling to assess their potential as chemotherapeutic drug targets.

In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading science fiction, and playing the guitar. I have been a Nottingham resident since childhood and like to be involved with the local music scene.

Gedion Girmahun

University College London (UCL)

Research:

My research project focuses on the design of DNA/RNA carrying delivery vectors known as Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs). We aim on formulating LNPs that are specific to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an uncurable primary brain tumour that causes cancer in young children. This project will investigate the use machine learning algorithms and liquid handling robots to explore the LNPs formulation space and identify the most optimal formulation for DIPG cells. The project is under the supervision of Dr. Pratik Gurnani and Dr. David Shorthouse, from the department of Pharmaceutics and Dr. Roberta Azzarelli from the department of Pharmacology.

Experience:

Before joining the CDT, I completed a BSc in Biochemistry at the University of Bath and a Master of Research (MRes) in Drug Sciences at UCL School of Pharmacy. I then spent a year working as a Research assistant for the Centre of Nerve Engineering as well as a part-time Research consultant for Proctor and Gamble (P&G). Once I joined this CDT, I was able to further expand my skills by working on university-based projects, using machine learning for enhancing the deliverability of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs), as well as industry-based ones, where I acquired new skills while working at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). I believe that the wide range of skills I gave gained will support me throughout my PhD.

Rama Hassoun

University College London (UCL)

My PhD project, 'The development of targeted long-acting injectable formulations and assessment of their in-vivo biodistribution via advanced imaging techniques,' focuses on creating nanoparticles designed to target specific disease states. These nanoparticles are engineered with targeting modalities on their surface to enable precise, controlled, and continuous drug release at the target site, minimising systemic side effects. Machine learning and genomics will be used to identify novel receptors and surface markers for targeting. In-vivo biodistribution and targeting efficacy will be assessed using advanced imaging techniques, such as SPECT and PET. I am conducting this research under the supervision of Dr. Maryam Parhizkar, Dr. David Shorthouse, and Professor Daniel Stuckey.

Experience:

I graduated from the UCL School of Pharmacy in 2022, with a First-Class Honours Master of Pharmacy Degree. During my final year, I undertook a 3-month research project in the Pharmaceutics department, designing a 3D-printed micro-dialysis device for the controlled delivery of a chemotherapeutic to the brain to treat glioblastoma, incorporating an electrospun nano-fibre membrane to control the release rate further. During my undergraduate studies, I was on the Dean’s list each year, and was awarded The Faculty Undergraduate Scholarship for Excellence, The Jackson Lewis Scholarship and The Life Sciences Faculty for Undergraduate Finalist of the Year.

Following my degree, I successfully completed my pre-registration training year at Whittington Hospital and qualified as a pharmacist in July 2023.

Patrick Keady

University College Dublin (UCD)

Research:

My university-based research training project is investigating the use of Machine learning for enhancing the deliverability of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs). This project is under the supervision of Dr. David Shorthouse and Dr. Mike cook (Pharmaceutics department at UCL School of Pharmacy) and Dr. Rob Sellar (UCL Cancer Institute). This project is looking at training machine learning algorithms on data from the PROTACs database to predict molecular properties such solubility and membrane permeability for a given PROTAC molecular fingerprint.

Experience:

Before joining the CDT, I completed a BSc in Biochemistry at the University of Bath and a Masters of Research (MRes) in Drug Sciences at UCL School of Pharmacy. I then spent a year working as a Research assistant for the Centre of Nerve Engineering as well as a part-time Research consultant for Proctor and Gamble. In this time I have been able to learn a wide range of skills that I believe will support me throughout my PhD.

Barbara Lechnicka

University College London (UCL)

Research:

My PhD project focuses on investigating and characterising the mechanisms of nose-to-brain drug delivery and clearance in-vivo, with applying our findings in the context of Alzheimer’s Disease. I work within the Centre of Advanced Biomedical Imaging and School of Pharmacy at UCL, under the supervision of Prof Daniel Stuckey, Dr Ian Harrison, and Dr Jenny Lam. The project is also supported by industrial partners Croda and GSK.

Experience:

I graduated from UCL in 2023 with a first-class honours Master in Science (MSci) degree, studying Pharmacology. During my studies, I focused on psychopharmacology, neuropharmacology and immunopharmacology, which led me to investigate the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease. For the past two years, I worked under the supervision of Prof. Frances Edwards. I wrote a review that postulated a hypothesis on clusterin’s contribution to the disease and worked on characterising the pathophysiological changes in the NLF knock-in mouse model of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Rachael Lever

University of Nottingham (UoN)

Research:

My research is focused on non-invasive drug delivery for protein therapeutics, specifically developing an oral delivery system to target inflamed regions of the small and large bowel to deliver a TNF-alpha inhibitor for the treatment of Crohn's disease. This approach employs a hybrid system combining hydrogel and nanoparticle technologies to achieve localized and selective drug release, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. I work under the supervision of Dr Veeren Chauhan and Dr Felicity de Cogan.

Experience:

I graduated in 2023 from the University of Nottingham with a first-class honours BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences. During my final year research project, I investigated the effects of storage conditions on the size and transfection efficiency of PolyA/PBAE polyplexes.

Away from my studies I compete internationally on the GB Senior Fencing Squad and have medalled at the Commonwealth Games.

Mark Kudady

University College London (UCL)

Research:

My PhD project focuses on advancing the clinical application of PROTACs, which often suffer from suboptimal chemical properties. By utilising innovative Machine Learning and Deep Learning techniques, we aim to predict key pharmacokinetic properties of these degraders.

Additionally, this research integrates molecular dynamics simulations to analyse protein-drug and protein-protein interactions, enhancing the predictive capabilities of our toolbox. The software developed will optimize PROTACs according to user-defined criteria, such as permeability and bioavailability.

This project is supervised by Dr. David Shortshouse, Professor Charles Laughton, and Dr. Rob Sellar, and is funded by AstraZeneca, with guidance from Dr. Sam Nash, Dr. Magda Swedrowska, and Dr. Johan Ulander.

Experience:

My academic journey started in Germany where I did my undergraduate in Pharmaceutical Sciences at LMU Munich. During my Bachelor’s I also decided to do a summer internship at the University of Derby investigating the natural history of HPV in the Marsh lab. Following my desire to solve cancer I joined UCL to do my Master’s in Cancer. As part of my Master’s project, I was pushing the limits of detecting ultra-low ctDNA samples with computational simulations supervised by Dr Simone Zaccaria. After graduating I combined the two aspects that I am interested in, PROTACs and cancer, joining the Sellar lab to work on new targets for AML.

Oliver Meeds

University of Nottingham (UoN)

Research:

Under the supervision of Professor Snow Stolnik, I am developing new lipid nanoparticle formulations with tuneable stiffness with the intention of modulating both tissue penetration of the nanoparticles and uptake efficiency of mRNA. This research aims to tackle the poor efficacy of mRNA therapies when delivered to tissues. I am using several techniques such as microfluidics, dynamic light scattering, and fluorescent assays to manufacture and characterise my nanoparticles. Concurrently I am working with the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre in the Biodiscovery Institute, utilising their 3D tumour models of medulloblastoma to investigate nanoparticle penetration. My PhD project is taking an iterative approach to formulation design and screening, with the end goal of taking optimised formulations in vivo to validate the results obtained from in vitro experiments.

Experience:

I graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2022 with First-Class Honours in Biotechnology with my final year research project focussing on improving the transformation efficiency of the chloroplast genome of tobacco. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study abroad and spent one year studying at the Universität für Bodenkultur (BOKU) in Vienna where I enjoyed working on my German (with mixed results).

I went complete an MRes in Biomolecular Technology at the University of Nottingham, researching the hydrodynamic properties of carrier proteins and polysaccharides used in bacterial vaccine formulations in partnership with GSK.

Outside of research, you can find me falling off a V7 at the depot, cycling, cooking, or finding the nicest beer garden in Notts.

Nancy Moore

University College Cork (UCC)

Research:

I am originally from Killarney, Kerry. I am a pharmacist and hold a First-Class Honours Degree in Master of Pharmacy, having graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in October 2023. During my undergraduate years, I undertook a range of work experiences, including an R&D internship at Xeolas Pharmaceuticals, community pharmacy experiences, and clinical research experiences. I am passionate about pharmacy and research because they enable people to access medications that can improve their quality of life.

Experience:

I began my PhD journey in September 2023, with the EPSRC-SFI Centre for Doctoral Training in Transformative Pharmaceutical Technologies. My research focuses on addressing quality assurance challenges in point-of-care manufacturing (POC) to ensure drug quality. The current drug manufacturing model has evolved around a centralised model centred on large-scale production and distribution. However, with the rise of precision and personalised medicine, there is a move towards point-of-care (POC) manufacture to meet individual patients' needs. My work will involve the application of advanced pharmaceutical quality approaches, such as continuous process verification and real-time release, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional destructive laboratory testing. Additionally, I will employ process analytical technology (PAT) tools like spectroscopy and multivariate modelling to ensure drug product standards. In my spare time, I enjoy long-distance running, mountain climbing, and playing the harp and I am passionate about tackling inequalities, science, and education.

Silvia Smith

University of Nottingham (UoN)

Research:

My PhD project aims to create genetic screens to uncover how mRNA delivery systems work at the molecular level. I am developing tools to explore how specific physicochemical properties of these nanoscale delivery systems influence their ability to target cells, escape endosomes, and successfully translate mRNA. Gaining insight into how RNA delivery systems interact with cells will guide the rational design of RNA transfection reagents. My supervisors are Dr Cornelia de Moor, Dr Keith Spriggs and Prof. Snow Stolnik.

Experience:

I graduated from Durham University with a first-class BSc Biological Science degree (2021). While there, I was awarded a studentship in the Biomolecular Research Laboratory, where I conducted research on the impact of specific dead cell lysates on E. coli growth. Before continuing with my studies, I spent most of my gap year backpacking around Southeast Asia and Australia.

Then, in 2022, I returned to research and completed an MRes degree in Biomolecular Technology at the University of Nottingham. My research during this programme involved a six-month project within the School of Pharmacy, where I investigated the transfection efficiency of novel polymeric nanoparticles loaded with RNA, in vitro. This work included a focus on understanding the implications of the polymer-to-RNA ratio and utilised various imaging techniques to observe the internalisation mechanisms of polyplexes within mammalian cells.

Outside of the lab, I love watching live music, climbing, travelling, and trying new foods.

Celina Worraker

University of Nottingham (UoN)

Research:

My research focuses on the design and development of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems loaded with biotherapeutics, engineered specifically to overcome the challenges of delivering biological drugs to difficult-to-treat areas, such as the brain and the eye. This research is conducted under the supervision of Dr. Felicity de Cogan and Prof. Jon Aylott.

Experience:

I graduated from the University of York with a BSc in Biomedical Science, where I was awarded the prize for best academic performance. Whilst at York, my research focused on investigating the link between mutations in the kinase TLK2 and the development of intellectual disability. This was achieved by assessing ability of the kinase TLK2 to phosphorylate SNAP25. I subsequently moved to the University of Leeds to complete an MSc in Drug Discovery and Development. My research here centred around devising a protocol by which relatively insoluble proteins, expressed via E. coli, could be solubilised and purified.

When I’m not in the lab, you’ll find me howling “Islands in the Stream” at karaoke, perusing the pages of an Agatha Christie, or attempting to escape a room.

Basmala Qaysson

University College London (UCL)

Research:

My PhD project aims to develop an injectable formulation (post-surgical and self-administered) that eradicates residual cancer cells by directly delivering the target drug to the site of the lymph node excision. This project will involve formulation, optimisation, and characterisation for extended and controlled drug-release injectable formulation.

The in-situ melanoma treatment will be designed to be applied immediately after the lymphadenectomy procedure, thus avoiding further surgical procedures for the patient and more importantly, the prompt killing of metastatic cells after tissue resection. The self-administered formulation will be intended for patients to use as a maintenance therapy to improve patient compliance and reduce the possibility of cancer recurrence.

Experience:

I’ve had the chance to study in three different countries, which has shaped who I am. I completed my bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in Egypt and got my license to practice in 2017. After graduating, I explored different paths in the pharmaceutical field, including sales, marketing, and working as a hospital pharmacist. In 2021, I received the Swedish Institute Scholarship for a two-year master’s in drug discovery and development at Uppsala University. For my graduation project, I worked on developing 3D-printed mucoadhesive oral microneedles, which is where I discovered my passion for hydrogels, biologics, and 3D printing. After graduation, I worked as a research assistant in the Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, at Uppsala University, diving deeper into microneedles. Now, I´m doing my PhD at the CDT in London – it’s a new and exciting chapter for me.

Outside of the lab, I volunteer with educational organizations, helping students from outside the EU with their migration paperwork and scholarship applications. I also enjoy swimming, painting, cooking, crocheting, and practising Arabic calligraphy.

Helena Ros

University College London (UCL)

Research:

My PhD project focuses on developing a machine learning driven robotic workflow for formulating high-concentration biologic solutions. These types of formulations present viscosity challenges at high protein concentrations, making them difficult to deliver subcutaneously (SC). They are therefore usually delivered intravenously (IV) in high volumes, which negatively impacts patient experience. I am using robotics and machine learning methods to develop a data-driven platform to facilitate an IV to SC switch of a mAb formulation. This project is supervised by Dr Michael T. Cook, Dr David Shorthouse, Professor Paul Dalby, and Christian Wells (Croda).

Experience:

I graduated in 2021 with a BSc in Neuroscience from the University of Bristol. Following this I worked in life sciences consulting, where I conducted technical due diligence on bio and deep tech startups. I then completed an MRes in Biosciences at UCL, where my project focused on developing electrospun nanofibres for treating peripheral nerve injuries. After this I worked as a research assistant at the UCL Institute of Prion Diseases where I helped develop a cell-based bioassay for detection of prions in human tissue.

As part of the CDT I completed an academic rotation project entitled ‘Closed-loop robotic workflows for accelerated exploration of liquid formulations’, supervised by Dr Michael T. Cook and Dr David Shorthouse, which focused on creating a machine-learning driven robotic system to help formulate insoluble compounds.

Student profiles - 2023 cohort

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