Experience
Download my two-page professional CV for research and employment enquiries.
Research experience
Artificial Metalloenzyme & Synthetic Chemistry Research
PhD Researcher · University of Cambridge · 2022–2026
- Engineered cytochrome b562 variants as artificial-metalloenzyme scaffolds and developed recombinant expression and purification workflows.
- Designed and synthesised Ir(III), Zn(II) and Co(II) metalloporphyrin cofactors, optimising challenging metalation and functionalisation steps.
- Established quantitative UV–visible and fluorescence binding assays across a four-porphyrin panel.
- Synthesised and characterised a 25+ compound substrate library spanning exocyclic methylene and diazirine scaffolds.
- Presented research in Kenya, Canada and Switzerland after securing £2,500 in competitive Royal Society of Chemistry funding.
Porphyrin & BODIPY Medicinal Chemistry Research
MSc Researcher · Rhodes University · 2021–2022
- Designed and synthesised 15+ porphyrin and BODIPY analogues using condensation, halogenation and quaternisation chemistry.
- Built structure–activity relationships through antimicrobial and anticancer evaluation.
- Completed characterisation using NMR, HPLC, UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, including singlet-oxygen quantum yields.
- Contributed to three peer-reviewed publications in porphyrin chemistry, catalysis and chemosensing.
Technical capabilities
Synthesis
Multi-step organic and organometallic synthesis · Metalloporphyrins · Method development · Analogue libraries · Scaffold diversification
Protein & biocatalysis
Protein variant design · Recombinant expression and purification · Protein–cofactor assembly · Binding assays · Biocatalyst characterisation
Characterisation
¹H, ¹³C and 2D NMR · HPLC · HRMS · UV–Vis · Fluorescence · IR · Quantitative titration
Research practice
Experimental design · Troubleshooting · SOP development · Scientific writing · Data interpretation · Student supervision
Education
PhD in Chemistry
University of Cambridge
Fully funded by the Cambridge Trust. Thesis: Exploring Synthetic Porphyrin–Protein Conjugates as New Artificial Metalloenzymes. Thesis submitted August 2026; viva pending.
MSc in Chemistry · First Class
Rhodes University
Fully funded by the National Research Foundation of South Africa.
BSc Honours in Chemistry · First Class
Rhodes University
Best graduating Honours student and recipient of Dean’s Colours.
BSc in Chemical Biology
University of Zambia
Teaching & leadership
- Demonstrator and Supervisor, University of Cambridge: trained 20+ undergraduate students in laboratory technique, risk assessment and experimental troubleshooting; supervised six students in organic and physical chemistry.
- Non-Executive Board Member, Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund: review 10+ proposals annually and advise on research-funding priorities.
- Head of Corporate Relations, African Society of Cambridge University: raised £40,000, achieving 150% of target through new partnerships and a revised fundraising strategy.
Awards & professional recognition
- Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC)
- Best graduating BSc Honours student and Dean’s Colours
- Bronze Medal, South African Chemical Institute
- Second Prize, Three-Minute Thesis
- Royal Society of Chemistry travel and congress funding totalling £2,500