About
A dancer-turned-bioscientist with a passion for harm reduction
After a childhood career as a World Champion dancer leading to a knee injury, I made a hard pivot to the natural sciences. I joined Imperial College London in September 2019, where I began developing my career as a scientist. During my undergraduate degree, I conducted research in organic synthesis, drug discovery and chemical biology. I became proficient in Python and MATLAB, and a variety of molecular modelling and bioinformatics tools. Alongside my studies, I helped establish an award-winning society, and an internationally-recognised small charity.
In September 2023, I joined the BBSRC London Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Programme (LIDo) at Queen Mary, University of London. I hope to gain expertise in a variety of neuroscience techniques during my PhD that will allow me to thrive as a researcher. During my career, I aspire to develop our fundamental understandings of the brain to improve the lives of neurodivergent people and people struggling with mental health and drug dependence.
Research experience
Queen Mary, University of London
2023 – 2027 (present)Identified four novel starfish neuropeptides using a range of bioinformatic, spectrometric, and pharmacological techniques (Elphick group).
MSci project: Utilised synthetic, bioinformatic, spectroscopic and in vitro techniques to develop a range of novel peptides that inhibit DNA replication initiation (Barnard & Speck group).
Analysed putative anti-parasitic compounds in-silico using StarDrop software, which directed the synthesis and testing of novel analogues to target Chagas disease in collaboration with DNDi.
Investigated the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro binding site and used a fragment-based drug design approach to develop novel inhibitor compounds in PyMol.
Synthesised a novel substituted phenol ester, and published IR and 1H NMR spectroscopic data: Martin, A. (2020). 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenyl icosanoate. Imperial College London Research Data Repository. doi.org/10.14469/hpc/6894
Volunteering experience
Co-Head of Research, Trustee
Benzo Research Project2021 – PresentChair (22–23), Head of Neuropsychopharmacology (21–22)
Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Imperial College UnionJuly 2021 – August 2023Chemistry UCAS Interview Days Volunteer
Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London2019 – 2021Work experience
Academic Tutor
Liberty TuitionAugust 2021 – January 2023Engineering Academic Mentor
Global Summer School, Imperial College LondonJuly – August 2022Student Teacher
VCDANCE.CO (formerly Panache School of Dance)January 2019 – May 2020Bar Staff
MINT PeopleJuly – September 2019Education
London Interdisciplinary Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme
Queen Mary, University of London2023 – 2027 (present)MSci Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
Imperial College LondonFirst Class honours2019 – 2023A-Level Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, EPQ
Brighton, Hove & Sussex Sixth Form CollegeA* A* A* A*2017 – 201910x GCSEs including Mathematics and French
Blatchington Mill SchoolGrades A*–B2013 – 2017Certifications
D001x: Medicinal Chemistry: The Molecular Basis of Drug Discovery
DavidsonXJuly 2019Awards
Runner-up Prize in Undergraduate Research Presentation in Chemical Biology
Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonJune 2023New Club, Society & Initiative of the Year
For Students for Sensible Drug PolicyImperial College UnionJune 2023Gold Award: Cambridge Chemistry Challenge
BHASVICJuly 2018Conferences
Conferences
National Student Drug and Alcohol Conference 2024
"Supporting Student Leaders in Harm Reduction" – WorkshopSOS-UK: Students Organising for Sustainability UKLondon, United Kingdom8 May 2024"The Benzo Research Project: An evaluation of recreational benzodiazepine use amongst UK young people (18-25)"RAND EuropeLeuven, Belgium31 May 2023
Elphick Group, Queen Mary University of London – February 2024