I provided expertise in analytical chemistry to a collaborative project (Salmond and Leeper labs) elucidating the structure and studying the biosynthesis of an anti-fungal natural product produced by a gram-negative bacterium.

I studied the biosynthesis of a Streptomyces derived phytotoxin, via heterologous expression of the cluster in non-producing hosts, and gene inactivation (using CRISPR-CAS technology) of key biosynthetic enzymes.

I investigated the specificity of ketosynthase domains of polyketide synthases, via protein expression, mutagenesis and mass-spec based enzyme assays, with the ultimate goal of improving success rates in the use of polyketide biosynthesis as a platform for chemical production via microbial fermentation. Other projects I worked on involved chemical synthesis, biotransformations, molecular biology and bioinformatics. I also lectured and examined a 4th year undergraduate chemistry course (biosynthesis), prepared and gave a graduate lecture series, supervised undergraduates and helped organise a 3 day outreach event on biotechnology.

I edited scientific manuscripts for authors for whom English is a second language.

I supported teaching of foundation level chemical sciences and a forensic science undergraduate degree course. I was involved in lecturing as well as teaching in tutorials and lab courses.

My research examined the biosynthesis of a clinically relevant polyketide antibiotic, and resulted in the generation of a number of new antibiotic natural product analogues via mutasynthesis. I was responsible for the fermentation of genetically engineered microorganisms, and the purification and identification of the new natural product analogues they produced. I also taught in tutorials and supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students in the lab.

I synthesised a novel dual-enzyme inhibitor with potential in the treatment of diabetes.