What is your background?
I am a biotechnology engineer with an MSc in Microbial Biotechnology. I have worked on research projects focused on water treatment, fermentation and waste valorisation. Alongside research I have been deeply engaged in biotech entrepreneurship, taking part in national innovation programmes and pitch competitions, and co-founding a start-up centred on the circular economy.
What is your research about?
My research focuses on developing microbial production systems for hydrogenases, which are valuable catalysts for the chemical and biotechnology industries. My goal is to increase production yields and improve the scalability of hydrogenases to enable their industrial application. I achieve this through genetic engineering, protein expression, fermentation and bioprocess optimisation.
Why did you choose the University of Nottingham?
I chose the University of Nottingham because of its strong research infrastructure in engineering and biotechnology. The level of mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong ties with industry have been a key part of my PhD.
What would you say to aspiring engineers?
The world needs more curious people, so go for it! Engineering opens doors to an incredible range of careers and gives you the tools to make a real impact on the world.