A huge congratulations to Ethan Ling for completing is Masters in Chemistry! Ethan’s dissertation/research project focused on click chemistry optimisation on peptides. We wish Ethan all the best in the next stages of his career, and we’re delighted that he was a part of the Kawamura Research Group.
Written by Siddique Amin: Last weekend, the Newcastle University chemistry department set up shop at the Beamish Museum for a two-day outreach event of all things chemistry. The event was a chance for families visiting the museum to delve into the fascinating world of chemistry research. Leading the charge were some enthusiastic volunteers from the chemistry department, including Kawamura Group researchers Siddique, Tom, and Emma. Throughout the weekend, the volunteers showcased the diversity of chemistry research performed at Newcastle University through a range of interactive experiments. Visitors got to witness the wonders of spectroscopy, learn about the power of solar cells, explore the science behind sugars, and get a glimpse… Read More »Showcasing Chemistry at Beamish Hall
Friday 8th March 2024 marked International Women’s Day, which is a time to celebrate the contributions of women in various fields, including scientific research and chemical biology. Female scientists have been led ground-breaking research, contributing to our understanding of complex biological systems and the development of innovative medical treatments and drug discovery. International Women’s Day also reinforces the importance of supporting and encouraging women in science to ensure a diverse and inclusive future for all scientific endeavours. Emma Wadworth (PhD Student): “To any young women, from any background, thinking of a career in science, definitely push yourself! Working towards new scientific discoveries is a challenging and rewarding experience.” … Read More »International Women’s Day 2024
In November 2023, Oli Curry – a PhD student – returned from maternity leave. Oli will be continuing her research into chemical probes for Targeted Protein Stabilisation (TPS), and the team are excited to have Oli return as a new mum. Oli: “It’s unbelievable I spent a big chunk of this year changing nappies and breastfeeding – maternity leave was a special time in my life, but it’s time to do some cool science again!”
In June 2023, Joanna Bonnici and Harriet Stanway-Gordon – two of our Post Doctoral Research Associates – returned to work after maternity leave. The team is excited to have them back, and looking forward to plenty of baby photos and supporting them in balancing work and home life as parents. Joanna: “I’m excited to return to work to face new challenges that don’t involve changing nappies or deciphering the meaning behind my baby’s cries.” Harriet: “Can’t believe I’m heading back to work already – feels like only yesterday Ziggy arrived! Looking forward to getting back to some semblance of normality (although I am going to miss spending most of… Read More »Joanna & Harriet Return from Maternity Leave
After months of hard work Maddy Sayers and Maia Evans have successfully completed their MChem thesis and viva in the Kawamura Group. Their work has involved investigating different roles and uses for cyclic peptides as chemical probes working with PhD students Siddique and Emma. Congratulations and well done on all your hard work, it has been a joy to work with you! We are looking forward to seeing where you go next.
A warm welcome to Harriet Stanway-Gordon who started in the group this month. Harriet undertook her PhD with Prof. Mike Waring in the Medicinal Chemistry group at Newcastle, focusing on the development of micellar-mediated DNA-compatible chemistry for use in DNA-encoded library (DEL) synthesis, where she was involved in the development and optimisation of multiple classes of reactions. Through the application of this methodology, a proposed new class of drug molecules, termed cyclic peptide small molecule hybrids (CyPeMs) can now be constructed within DELs. Harriet has been awarded an EPSRC doctoral prize to expand upon her PhD research, involving the synthesis of CyPeM DELs and subsequent selection against several challenging epigenetic… Read More »Welcome to the group Harriet!
Many congratulations to group member Grace Roper and her husband Cameron Taylor (a medicinal chemist!) on their wedding! Thanks for inviting us to share your day. We wish these two wonderfully talented scientists all the best!
Some great talks and networking at the Royal Society of Chemistry Interest Group for Chemical Biology and Bioorganic Chemistry postgraduate meeting at York University on 4th April. Great to be back to in-person conferences! It was a great opportunity for our early career researchers to share their latest research with colleagues from across a broad range of chemical biology backgrounds.
On Tuesday 15th March we hosted a Chemical biology workshop at Newcastle University, involving academics across the faculty of medicine science and the school of natural and environment science. Ten academics delivered flash presentations on diverse areas of research (see below). A great way to get the group talking and learning about the chemical biology research going on across the university. Engineered protein polymers for high performance, multi-functional biomaterials Daniel Peters and David A Fulton Structure guided drug discovery for loss-of-function diseases Wyatt Yue (Cyclic) peptide discovery platform Akane Kawamura In vivo Non-invasive Small Animal Molecular Imaging Services Saimir Luli Mass spectrometry tools in drug discovery Matthias Trost Biocatalysts… Read More »Chemical Biology Workshop