Postdoctoral Research Associates
Dr Andreea Iorgu (June 2022-)
Dr. Rémi Zallot (May 2022-)
Dr Dongxu Jia (Apr 2022-)
Dr Guangcai Xu (Dec 2021-)
Dr Saadia Nasr (Oct 2021-)
Dr Puja Saha (Jan 2021-) Royal Society, “A Synthetic Biology Approach for the Total Biosynthesis of Semi-Synthetic Antibiotics.”
Dr Katherine Robins (March 2020-) Royal Society “Biosynthetic engineering next generation of antibiotics”
Dr Luis Bering (Jun 2019- 22)(Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) “Integrating enzymes with chemocatalysis”
Dr Fanghua Wang (Feb 2019-20) (CSC) “Amide ligase enzymes”
Dr Imtiaz Khan (Sept 2018-21) (BBSRC) “Integrating enzymes with chemocatalysis”
Dr Wei Li Thong (Aug 2017-) (BBSRC) “A Synthetic Biology Approach for the Total Biosynthesis of Semi-Synthetic Antibiotics”
Dr Duncan Smith (Sept 2016-20) (BBSRC) “A Synthetic Biology Approach for the Total Biosynthesis of Semi-Synthetic Antibiotics”
Dr Lujing Ren (June 2016-17 ) Nanjing Tech University, China.
Dr Matthew Bennett (Sept 2015-18) (BBSRC), “Rapid Evolution of Enzymes and Synthetic Micro-organisms for the Development of Industrial Biocatalysts”
Dr Brian Law (Sept 2014-18) (BBSRC), “Natural products biosynthesis & bioengineering,”
Dr Sarah Shepherd (Mar 2014-) (BBSRC) NPRONET & other projects manager.
Dr Ying Zhuo (Mar 2014-18) (BBSRC) “Bioengineering of next generation lipoglycopeptide antibiotics.”
Dr Joanna Fyans (Mar 2014-17) (BBSRC) “Bioengineering of next generation lipoglycopeptide antibiotics.”
Dr Michael Winn (Aug 2013-21) (BBSRC) “Natural products biosynthesis & bioengineering,”
Dr Binuraj Menon (June 2013-) (BBSRC) “Rapid Evolution of Enzymes and Synthetic Micro-organisms for the Development of Industrial Biocatalysts.”
Dr Helen A. Vincent (Feb 2012-15) (BBSRC) “Orthogonal riboswitches as tools for controlling gene expression in bacteria.”
Dr Ming Cheng Wu (Jan 2012-13) (BBSRC) “Orthogonal riboswitches as tools for controlling gene expression in bacteria.”
Dr Anna-Winona Struck (Oct 2011-15) (BBSRC) “Bioorthogonal site-selective protein immobilisation and labelling.”
Dr Mark Thompson (Nov 2011-15) (BBSRC) “Rapid Evolution of Enzymes and Synthetic Micro-organisms for the Development of Industrial Biocatalysts”
Dr Christopher Robinson (Nov 2009-15) (BBSRC) “Riboswitches.”
Dr Neil Dixon (May 2006-10) (BBSRC) “Riboswitches.”
Dr Krzysztof Okrasa (June 2006-09) (BASF-CoEBio3) “New malonate decarboxylase enzymes”
Dr Torsten Geerlings (May 2006-10)(BBSRC) “Riboswitches.”
Dr Lu Shin Wong (Sept 2005-09) (EPSRC) “Nanoscale arrays for near single biomolecular detection.”
Dr Jenny Thirlway (Mar 2005-08)(BBSRC) “Engineering the biosynthesis of nonribosomal peptide antibiotics.”
Dr Raymond Wong (Dec 2006-07) (EPSRC) “DNA template directed synthesis”
Dr Simon Saul (April 2004-05) (INEOS Fluor). “Biotransformations in HFC solvents II.”
Dr Ian Beadham (Jan 2003-05) (EPSRC). “Synthesis and nucleic acid binding properties of de novo zwitterionic pyrrolidine-phosphonate oligonucleotide mimics.”
Dr Jordi Morral Cardoner (Jan 2002-05 ) (BBSRC). “Solid phase synthesis and nucleic acid binding properties of mixed sequence pyrrolidine-amide oligonucleotide mimics.”
Dr Gabriel Chukwu Uguru (Sept 2000-03) (BBSRC). “Combinatorial biosynthesis of lipopeptide antibiotics.”
PhD Postgraduate Students
Kehan Bian (2022-)
Aimee Haggarty (2022-)
Isobel Cordrey (2021-), BSc University of Edinburgh
Sydney Flower (2021-), MSci University of Birmingham
Elsa Prendergast (2021-)
Luke Yates (2021-), MSci University of East Anglia
Sebastian Cuesta (2021-), MSc University of Edinburgh
Eloise O’Connor (2021-), Imperial College London, “Synthetic biology approaches for re-assembling biosynthetic pathways in heterologous host strains”
Stuart Angiolini (2021-), MChem Heriot Watt University, Scotland, “Merging enzymes with chemocatalysts, telescoping more sustainable routes to pharmaceuticals etc..”
Jessica Logue (2021-), MChem Lancaster University, “Discovery, characterisation and engineering new enzymes for more sustainable synthesis.”
Joseph Thompson (2021-), MChem University of Nottingham, “New routes to nucleic acid therapeutics.”
Stanley Sowerby Thomas (2019-), MChem University of Bristol, “Integrated catalysis, telescoping more sustainable routes to pharmaceuticals etc..”
Danielle Torri (2019- ), Msc in Industrial Biotechnology at University of Milan-Bicocca & MSc in Genetic at University of Paris VII Denis Diderot
Yasamin Noori (2018-), Univ of Tehran, Iran, awarded Presidents Scholarship at the University of Manchester
Michael Rowlinson (2018-), MChem University of Manchester.
Abigail Herbert(2017-21), MChem University of Leicester.
Alberto Carella (2017-21), MChem University of Oxford.
Elliot Craven (2017-21), MChem University of Manchester.
Varvara Androulaki (2017-18), Greece
Catherine Lowe (2017-21), University of York
Saadia Nasr (2017-21)
Helen Taylor (2016-20), University of Liverpool
Yingxin Zhang (2016-20) (China)
Martha Ferrer Rios (2015-2016) (Mexico) completed MPhil
Jean-Marc Henry (2014- 2018) (France)
Jonathan Latham (2013-2017) (MChem Manchester) “Integrated Catalysis: Biohalogenation and transition metal-catalysed cross coupling cascade reactions in water”
Eileen Brandenburger (2013-2017) (BSc and MSc Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
Daniel Francis (2013-2017) (MChem Univ of Leicester) “Natural products chemical biology”
Victoria Ann Cronin (2013-2017) (BSc (Hons) Biochemistry, University of Bath with one year at the University of Colorado, USA) “Alkyltransferases as synthetic tools”
Humera Sharif (2013- ) (MChem Manchester)
Heidi Fisk (2013-2017) (Mchem, University of Nottingham) “Biological and analytical chemistry for development of halogenase enzymes”
Daniel Medina Stacey (2012-)(Bachelors Degree in Genetics, Universidad Complutense de Madrid & MSc Bioinformatics University of Manchester) “Riboswitch expression tools for plant chloroplasts”
Dr Angelica Jimenez (2011-2015) (Masters in Chemistry & Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Biochemistry from the University of the State of Mexico) “Biosynthesis of lipopeptide antibiotics”
Dr Mathew Bennett (2011-2015) (MChem University of Bristol) “Alkyltransferases”
Dr James Leigh (2011-2015)(MChem Manchester) “Orthogonally Selective Riboswitches for Controlling Gene Expression in Bacteria.”
Dr Ross Lewin (2010-2014)(MChem Manchester) “Structure-Guided Directed Evolution of Malonate Decarboxylases and Related Enzymes”
Dr Philip Lowe (2010-2014)(MChem Manchester) “Tuneable riboswitches for controlling gene expression with synthetic small molecules.” PDRA with Prof David O’Hagan, Univ of St Andrews.
Dr Brian Law (2010-2014)(BSc Cell Biology with Industrial Experience, FLS University of Manchester) A synthetic biology approach for engineering the biosynthesis for new friulimicin lipopeptide antibiotics.”
Dr Sarah Shepherd (2010-2014)(MChem, University of Warwick). “Halogenase enzymes”
Dr Matthew Styles (2009-2013) (MChem Durham)” A synthetic biology approach for engineering lipoglycopeptide antibiotics”
Dr Chinnan Karthikeyan (2009-2013) (India) “Biosynthetic enginnering of antibiotics and biocatalysis”
Dr Laura Nunns (2008-2012) (MChem, Univ of Manchester, BBSRC EPS faculty quota (3 years)) “New methods for site specific protein immobilisation.”
Dr Mark Goodall (2008-2012) (BSc Univ of Manchester)
Dr Ming Cheng Wu (2008-2011) (Taiwan)
Tudor Grecu (2008-2010) (MChem Sheffield)
Dr Mathew Wilding (2007-2011) (MChem University of Manchester) “Redesign and directed evolution of new racemase enzymes.”
Dr Chris Chesters (2007-2011)(MChem University of Manchester) “Redesign and directed evolution of aminomutase enzymes for preparation of homochiral b-aminoacids.”
Michael Power (2007-2011) (MChem University of Manchester) “Nucleic acid recognition and DNA template directed synthesis.”
Dr John Duncan (2006-2010)(Molecular Biology, University of Huddersfield) “Riboswitches & small molecule modulators of gene expression.” PDRA position, School of Life Science, University of Warwick.
Dr Mitchel Jacobs (2006-2010) (MChem, University of Manchester) “Riboswitches and Nucleic acid recognition.” PDRA, Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research, Institute, La Jolla, California, with Prof Ramanarayanan Krishnamurthy.
Dr Neil Bell (2005-2009) (Chemistry, University of Leeds) “ Synthesis and biophysical evaluation of backbone extended pyrrolidine-amide oligonucleotide mimics.” PDRA University of Cambridge, now R&D Scientist at Cambridge Epigenetix.
Professor Roberta Worthington (2004-2008) (MChem) “ Synthesis and biophysical evaluation of pyrrolidine-amide oligonucleotide mimics.” Roberta was a post-doctoral research associate working in the Medicinal Chemistry group at the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London. Currently Roberta is Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University.
Dr Majid Al Nakeeb (2004-2008) (Iraq) “Synthetic studies related to the biosynthesis of acidic lipopeptide antibiotics.” JM lab technician, then PDRA in Chemistry at the University of Newcastle
Dr Amanda Jane Powell (2003-2007) (Biochemistry, University of Wales, Aberystwyth) “Engineering the biosynthesis of lipopeptide antibiotics” Amanda is a Mass Spec Support Specialist, Structural Purity Group, Cancer and Infection Chemistry, AztraZeneca, Alderley Edge UK. Now works for Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association Group, Gloucestershire.
Dr Anthony Ball (2003-2007)(BSc, Chemistry UMIST) “Biotransformations in hydrofluorocarbon solvents.” Anthony is a drug/process development chemist for Shasun Pharma Solutions Ltd., Northumberland.
Professor B. Amir-heidari (2003-2007) (Iran) “Synthetic studies related to the biosynthesis of acidic lipopeptide antibiotics.” Runner up final year PhD presentation-awards. Amir is now a Assistant Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Dr Adam P. O’Rourke (2002–2006)(MChem and MPhil by research Chemistry) “Solid phase synthesis and nucleic acid binding properties of mixed sequence pyrrolidine-amide oligonucleotide mimics” Adam is a research chemist at FujiFilm in Blackley.
Dr Raymond Wong (2002–2006) (MChem, UMIST) “Dynamic-combinatorial approaches towards the non-enzymatic transcription of nucleic acids.” Ray completed a one year PDRA position in the JM lab and now works for Phenomenex.
Dr Lee Jon Ball (2002–2006)(MChem, UMIST) “NMR structural studies of acidic lipopeptide antibiotics.”
Dr Claire Milne (2000–2004) (BSc, Chemistry, University of Abertay). “Combinatorial biosynthesis of lipopeptide antibiotics: Mode of biosynthesis and mutasynthesis studies.” Claire won the prize for the best lecture at the RSC National Bio-organic Group Postgraduate Symposium 2003 and the Greater Manchester Symposium 2003. Claire was also the winner of the departmental final year prize and is now working for Astra Zeneca R&D Mölndal, Sweden (Biotransformations Team Leader).
Dr Simon Saul (2000–2004) (BSc, Chemistry, John Moores University, Liverpool). “Biotransformations in HFC solvents.” Simon is now a research scientist in the US oil & chemical technology company Baker Petrolite in Liverpool.
Dr Mathew Borg (2000–2004) (Biological Sci, Malta), “Engineered biosynthesis of novel lipopeptide antibiotics: The enzymes involved in synthesis of the 2,3-epoxyhexanoyl fatty acid side chain ” Matt works for the biotechnology start-up company Recombinogen based at Guildford in Surrey.
Dr Anila Khan (2000-2005†) (BSc Chemistry & MSc University of Huddersfield), “The second generation of pyrrolidine amide oligonucleotide mimics.” Anila’s first position was as a medicinal chemist at Aztra Zeneca Alderley Edge. Anila now works for Thermofisher in Runcorn, as an analytical chemist.
Dr Lyndsey Gordon (2000–2005) (BSc, Biomolecular Science, UMIST), “Engineered biosynthesis of novel lipopeptide antibiotics: 3-Hydroxyasparagine phosphotransferase and NRPS Ad-domain specificities.” †Certified medical illness prevented completion within 4 years (JM co-supervisor, registered in BMS).
Dr Samuel T. H. Tan (1999–2003)(Singapore, BSc Chemistry UMIST), “Synthesis and Biophysical studies of pyrrolidine–amide oligonucleotide mimics (POM).” Sam was employed by the US biotech company Galileo Pharma in Singapore and now works for GSK Global Manufacturing and Supply in Singapore. Sam won the prize for best poster at the RSC National Bio-organic Group Postgraduate Symposium, John Innes Centre, Norwich, 17 Dec 2001 and was the winner of the departmental final year prize. Sam was also second at the Greater Manchester Symposium.
Dr Joanne M. Neary (1999–2003)(BSc & MPhil Biological Science, University of Manchester), “The function of the Non–ribosomal peptide synthetases and other key enzymes in CDA lipopeptide antibiotic biosynthesis.” Joanne has a research position in a biotechnology start-up company Recombinogen based at Guildford in Surrey.
Dr David T. Hickman (1996–2000)(Chemistry, University of Glasgow) “Pyrrolidine-amide oligonucleotide mimics (POM).” David was a Marie Curie Fellow at the Université Louis Pasteur (France) working with Prof. Jean-Marie Lehn (Nobel Laureate) and is now employed by the biotechnology company AC Immune (JM Lehn Chairman) Lausanne, Switzerland.
Dr Kevin J. Fettes (1995–1999) (Chemistry, University of Dundee), “Synthesis of 3´-N-sulfamate and sulfamide modified oligonucleotides.” Kevin became a temporary Lecturer in Organic Chemistry at the University of Newcastle, after postdoctoral work at the University of Liverpool with Dr R. Cosstick and Prof S. Roberts. He now works for Avecia (Biotech.) Boston USA, having initially worked for Avecia (Grangemouth, Scotland) on the production of modified oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Lab Technicians
2012-2013 Dr Jayendra Shankar
2010 Dr Majid Al Nakeeb
2007-2009 Sr Sri Anendya Lestari