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:

For my first research training project, I am working on microarray patches which is supervised by Dr Maria Marlow, Dr Pavel Gershkovich and Dr David Scur. The project aims to explore a potential solution for HIV by loading microarray patches (MAPs) with a latency reversal drug and antiretroviral agent to target the peripheral lymphatics.

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:

For my university-based training project, I am working under the supervision of Prof James Phillips (School of Pharmacy) and Dr Bob Schroeder (Department of Chemistry) on the use of organic materials for facilitating nerve regeneration. The project is focused on the synthesis and characterization of semiconductive polymers that will be incorporated into collagen scaffolds, followed by the investigation of specific molecular motifs that promote nerve growth as a result of their interaction.

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 research training project is focusing on lipid crystal formulations in order to develop novel antisense oligonucleotide long injectable drug delivery platforms. I am being supervised by Professor Snow Stolnik, Dr Maria Marlow and fellow CDT pHD student Fady Mina.

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 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.

Rama Hassoun

University College London (UCL)

Research:

For my academic research project, I am working on optimising the process of conjugating antibodies onto PLGA-nanoparticles, with Imatinib, a chemotherapeutic, encapsulated within them. The objective is to develop a targeted therapeutic approach for pulmonary hypertension, directing the nanoparticles specifically to the lungs (through a targeted receptor target for the antibody), whilst minimising adverse effects on healthy tissues. The particles will be fabricated through electro-spraying, followed by the conjugation of the antibodies through carbodiimide chemistry. This mini project is under the supervision of Dr Maryam Parhizkar and Dr Benjamin Schreiber.

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:

For my university-based research project, I am working under the supervision of Prof. Gareth Williams, Dr Daniel Stuckey, and Dr Jonathan Knowles. My focus is to engineer a composite hydrogel containing nanoparticles laden with therapeutic agents and iPS cells, whilst achieving its successful delivery into the damaged heart.

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:

For my first training project I am working under the supervision of Dr Felicity De Cogan and Dr Veeran Chauhan. The aim of my project is to characterise the delivery of adalimumab using cell-penetrating peptides, a new non-invasive drug delivery technology, into a variety of cell lines and C. elegans.

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:

As part of my first 3-month internship in academia, I work in the Shorthouse lab (UCL) in collaboration with Professor Maria Marlow from the University of Nottingham. The project is an interplay between machine learning and microneedles. More specifically I try to predict release profiles of microneedles given parameters like the architecture of the needles, the polymers used or drugs to be delivered. This ML model will hopefully be useful for other microneedle researchers and tailor their work time and resources to manufacture the desired microneedle.

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:

My first training project, under the supervision of Dr Jing Yang, will investigate the use of 3D printed drug delivery scaffolds for controlled, long-term delivery of small-molecule therapeutics to overcome the foreign body response to medical devices and implants. Principally, we are hoping to better understand how formulation, architecture and geometry of 3D printed scaffolds can be utilised to control the delivery of multiple drugs for modulating immune response and tissue regeneration.

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:

Under the guidance of Prof. Jonathon Aylott and Dr. David Scurr, my academic training project focuses on the synthesis and characterisation of PLGA microparticles and nanoparticles. These particles play a crucial role in the solid-phase synthesis methods of Peptide and Oligonucleotide Therapeutics. The objective of this research is to elucidate the factors contributing to variability in the manufacturing process of these new modalities.

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

For my first research training project, I am working under the supervision of Robert Cavanagh and Snow Stolnik to assess whether the modification of liposomes with unsaturated fatty acids enhances intracellular delivery of doxorubicin (a chemotherapy drug) to breast cancer cell lines.

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.

Student profiles - 2023 cohort

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