Student Profiles

I graduated from Princeton University in the United States with a BSE in Chemical Engineering and a certificate in Engineering Biology in 2002.  For as long as I can remember, I've had an interest in the application of science to improve human health; and as a student, I sought out internships in that area.  During my time at Princeton, I participated in a joint research internship with Johns Hopkins, the Walter Reed Medical Center and Washington Federal Strategies for the development of a mobile breast care center utilizing digital tele-mammography. The summer before graduation, I was chosen for a Merck Research Laboratory summer internship in the Bioprocess R&D department.  My experience in the pharmaceutical industry at Merck was phenomenal, and upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I accepted a position in the Biocatalysis group at Merck & Co., Inc. 

My responsibilities at Merck were diverse and included biocatalyst discovery, biotransformation optimization, automated robotic systems development, and scale-up for multi kg API deliveries to the clinic.  Obtaining a PhD was a long-time goal of mine, but I wanted to have some industrial experience to help direct my focus for graduate studies.  I was fortunate to be selected for the Merck Research Lab's Doctoral Study program in 2006, and I joined Prof. Nick Turner's group in the Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre (MIB) at the start of 2007.

My PhD research is focused on the rapid screening and development of biocatalysis.  The interdisciplinary nature of research at the MIB is what first attracted me to Manchester.  The industrial application of biocatalysis necessitates individuals with multidisciplinary training.  One can look at any modern industrial biocatalysis group and see a mix of chemical engineers, chemists and molecular biologists.  These three disciplines must be exploited together to realize biocatalysis' full potential!

My experience conducting research in Manchester has been extremely positive.  Excellent funding and world class facilities make the MIB the optimal place to carry out academic research.  The laboratory areas even rival those in industry!  Finally, approachable professors with seemingly endless knowledge are available to discuss almost any issue.  I look forward to completing my PhD, returning to Merck and applying what I've learned to the development of novel therapeutics for the advancement of human health.