Staff Profile

Introduction

I am Start Up Ecosystem Lead in Newcastle University's START UP team - unlocking internal and external support to benefit student and graduate start-up founders.

Background

I completed my PhD, in the fields of Biochemistry and Molecular Microbiology, in Dr Fiona Cuskin's research group at Newcastle University. My PhD research focused on gaining an understanding of the biochemical mechanism behind complex microbial polysaccharide utilisation by prominent members of the human gut microbiota, the Bacteroidetes. I explored carbohydrate-mediated relationships between bacteria in the infant and adult gut microbiota. By understanding how complex polysaccharides are used by gut bacteria, pre-biotic diets can be designed to modulate the composition of the gut microbiota with associated benefits on host health and wellbeing.

Having completed my PhD, I moved into industry and the oncology field whilst developing new Antibody Drug Conjugates for the treatment of solid cancer tumours, in my role as a Bioconjugation Scientist at Iksuda Therapeutics.

I then joined the Arrow programme - leading innovation collaborations between North East Life Science and Biotech enterprises and academic, research and facilities expertise within Newcastle University. Case studies: Vita-Rhize and MyFolks.

Qualifications

Biology PhD, Newcastle University (2018-2022)

Biology (Cellular and Molecular) BSc (Hons), Newcastle University (2015 - 2018) - First Class

PRINCE2 Project Management - Foundation (2024)

PRINCE2 Project Management - Practitioner (2025)

Professional Accreditation

Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)