Fermentation Biotechnologist
CurrentAs an integral part of ARCITEKBio Limited, I have been the research lead on a number of projects, including COVID Recovery Challenge Fund and SMART-FIS amongst others. I specialised in fermentation and downstream processing in order to produce an alternative sweetener. I have experience in developing and optimising yeast fermentations from flasks to 50L bioreactors, with both synthetic and lignocellulosic feedstocks. I have trialled a number of downstream processing and purification methods including the use of Activated Charcoal, Ion Exchange as well as membrane separation technologies at both laboratory and pilot scales. I have designed and built a pilot scale Ion Exchange system for the purification of sugar rich syrups. I am experienced in analysing data from analytical equipment such as HPLC as well as ABER Instruments biomass probes. I have used fermentation specific software from Solaris, HEL and Iris to monitor online fermentation parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen as well as temperature and airflow rates.Throughout my time at ARCITEKBio Ltd. I have been responsible for training a number of Research Assistants, and managing their day to day workloads to ensure timely completion of projects.I have also been the main point of contact based on site, liaising with both academics from Aberystwyth University as well as the staff at the AberInnovation facility to coordinate activities as well as ensuring compliance.I am skilled in presenting research findings with both internal members of the company as well as potential collaborators and company stakeholders.
