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 molecular 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 which can ultimately improve the lives of neurodivergent people and people who use drugs.
Research experience
Queen Mary, University of London
2023 – 2027 (present)Investigating mechanisms of α2δ-mediated CaV2.2 regulation using biochemical, molecular and cell biology, in silico and interactomic methods (Kadurin group, Gold group)
Characterised a novel mechanism of calcium channel inhibition using in silico, cell biology and immunofluorescence techniques (Kadurin group).
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-Project Lead, 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
Cranstoun Social Justice Conference 2024
"Benzo Research Project: An evaluation of non-medical benzodiazepine use among UK young people (18-25)" – Poster, Presenting authorCranstoun: Camurus Early Career Researcher/ActivistBirmingham, United Kingdom18–20 September 202431st Conference of the European Society for Comparative Endocrinologists
"Genome of the starfish Asterias rubens yields new insights into the evolution of neuropeptide signalling systems" – Presentation, Non-presenting co-authorEuropean Society for Comparative Endocrinology (ESCE)Ancona, Italy1–5 September 2024Gordon Research Conference: Ion Channels
"New Functional Domain in α2δ Subunits: Molecular Insights into Proteolytic Activation of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels" – Poster, Non-presenting co-authorGordon Research Conferences (GRC)Massachusetts, USA7–12 July 2024National Student Drug and Alcohol Conference 2024
"Supporting Student Leaders in Harm Reduction" – Workshop, Presenting authorSOS-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)" — Presentation, Non-presenting authorRAND EuropeLeuven, Belgium31 May 2023Other presentations
Guest Lectures
3rd year Criminology: Drugs, Crime, and the Criminal Justice System
"Harm reduction for young people who use benzos"University of Kent19 November 2024Webinars
Drug Education Forum Summer Event
"Benzos, young people, and the emergence of nitazenes"Drug Education Forum3 July 2024UMHC Online Insight-Sharing Event
"Mental Health and Drug Use"University Mental Health Charter, Student Minds14 November 2023Street Drug Discussions: Deep Dive into Benzodiazepines
"The Benzo Research Project: An evaluation of recreational benzodiazepine use amongst UK young people (18-25)"Drug Science10 March 2023In-Person Events
Local and National Approaches to Young People's Drug Use
"Using the Freedom of Information Act to investigate local drug education and support in England and Wales"Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) Imperial, Benzo Research ProjectImperial College London12 June 2024Engaging young people who use drugs with harm reduction
"Engaging young people who use drugs with harm reduction"London Harm Reduction Reading Group12 June 2024Benzo Research Project Report Launch & Drug Policy Debate
"The Benzo Research Project: An evaluation of recreational benzodiazepine use amongst UK young people (18-25)"Benzo Research Project, Drugs and MeKing's College London31 May 2023
Elphick Group, Queen Mary University of London – February 2024