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Introduction

I am Start Up Ecosystem Lead in Ãå±±½ûµØ'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 Ãå±±½ûµØ. 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 programme - leading innovation collaborations between North East Life Science and Biotech enterprises and academic, research and facilities expertise within Ãå±±½ûµØ. Case studies: and .

Qualifications

Biology PhD, Ãå±±½ûµØ (2018-2022)

Biology (Cellular and Molecular) BSc (Hons), Ãå±±½ûµØ (2015 - 2018) - First Class

PRINCE2 Project Management - Foundation (2024)

PRINCE2 Project Management - Practitioner (2025)

Professional Accreditation

Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)