THe TEAM
Chairs
Akhila is a first-year PhD student based at the Photon Science Institute, University of Manchester. Her project is on the use of mass spectrometry imaging methods for the spatial chemical profiling of plant leaves for agrochemicals in collaboration with the Agritech company, Syngenta. Before coming to the UK for her PhD, she did her integrated Bachelor’s and Master of Science programme in Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India.
She aspires to do translational research and wishes to help bridge the gap between academic and commercial research for students.
When not in the research realm, she likes to binge-watch documentaries, play table tennis and go for hikes.
Akhila Ajith
Magnus is a third-year PhD student at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. His project involves studying the unnatural photoactivity of flavin-based enzymes, using both computational chemistry techniques, such as time-dependent density functional theory, and a femtosecond pulsed IR laser. He obtained his masters in Edinburgh, where he achieved a first in Chemistry with industrial experience (Mchem).
As Co-Chair for NWBI, Magnus hopes to organise events to connect academics and students with the rapidly expanding biotech industry. He hopes to help foster a greater understanding of what makes a successful biotech company within the academic community as well as help introduce great ideas and people to the wider biotech community.
In his spare time, Magnus enjoys hiking in the Lake District and playing board games.
Magnus Speirs
Miriam Montserrat Vega-Gordillo
Montserrat Vega (she, her) is an enthusiastic biotech entrepreneur with an interest in the biomedical sector. Currently in the second-year of a dual Manchester-Beijing PhD programme, she focuses on applying synthetic biology and AI to develop novel therapeutic approaches for cancer. Montserrat has joined different scientific projects in Mexico, Spain and Canada and launched innovation/startup ventures in Romania and LATAM, aiming at cultivating the seeds of a more inclusive world.
During her spare time, she loves playing chess, theatre and exercising, among many other things!
© 2022 Akhila Ajith
© 2022 Magnus Speirs
Finance Managers
Caroline is a first-year PhD student at the University of Manchester with a passion for analytical chemistry. Her research is focused on exploring human sebum as a biofluid for the diagnosis of respiratory diseases. Before her PhD, Caroline worked for 5 years as a Senior Analytical Scientist of Chemical Development for AstraZeneca, UK. Here, she helped develop analytical methodology and control strategies for small molecule projects. Having just come out of industry, she has a keen interest and aims to build closer connections between academia and industry, which she hopes to do as an NWBI committee member.
In her free time, she enjoys cooking, watching movies, and running.
Caroline Gehin
Emil Volk
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Alexandra
Medeea Nagy
After graduating with a First-Class Honours degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Manchester, Emil stayed with the University to pursue a PhD focused on the production of green hydrogen, pioneering the development of novel vibrational spectrographic techniques for the in-operando analysis of electrochemical reaction mechanisms that govern the production of H2.
With a strong interest in both the Energy and Biotechnology sectors, he would like to bring these fields closer together to help tackle the current energy and climate crisis through multi-disciplined networking and informational events for students across all stages of their development.
When not in the library or the lab. he enjoys hiking, wild swimming, watching the stars go by, or just enjoying the cinema if the weather is bad.
Alexandra (she/her) is a third-year MSci Pharmacology student, with a prospective final project in Quantum Biology. In the future, after her project on H-tunnelling in enzymes, she wants to pursue a PhD in the effects of electromagnetic fields on cell fate and behaviour. In addition to Quantum Biology, she is interested in computer science, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and is eager about the crossover of these fields, and the potential this meld has to transform the world we know.
As part of the committee, Alexandra hopes to narrow the gap between biotech and academia by fostering relationships among students and professionals in the field.
When not at University, Alexandra tries to go outdoors, hiking and climbing, or you can find her in cafes having conversations with friends.
© 2022 Caroline Gehin
© 2022 Emil Volk
© 2022 Alexandra Medeea Nagy
Media and Communications
Charis is a first-year PhD student at the University of Manchester having just completed their master's degree in Mechatronics engineering. Their project combines machine learning and wearable technology to create systems that recognise and identify physiological reactions and emotional states.
During their masters, they had the experience of working internships with the University of Manchester and Siemens Mobility for which they are excited to apply their skills. Moving into the world of medical engineering, Charis is excited to network with a broader audience and explore the world of biotechnology and bioelectronics.
Outside of electronics Charis is a keen PC gamer and self-confessed nerd enjoying various games and media. As well as spreading STEM knowledge via tutoring and volunteering to help out the community.
Charis Whyte
Maya is a third-year student on the MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry course at the University of Manchester. She is currently working on a lab project which involves synthesising model silanes for exploring organosiloxane biocatalysis, using enzymes as a greener alternative to conventional silylation methods.
As well as being a member of the NWBI, Maya is the third-year medicinal chemistry representative at the University.
Maya aims to help organise informative events for students looking to learn more about industry, whilst also enhancing her knowledge of the pharmaceutical field as a part of this initiative.
In her spare time, Maya loves going out to eat at restaurants and is currently learning French.
Maya Popat
Manushri Karwa
Manushri is currently a second-year biochemistry student at the University of Manchester. She has a keen interest in virology and plans to research this area further in her final year. As well as being part of the NWBI, Manushri is also the publicity officer for UoM’s Badminton Society.
During her spare time, she enjoys swimming, trying out new food spots and binging anything new on Netflix
© 2022 Charis Whyte
© 2023 Maya Popat
© 2023 Manushri Karwa
© 2022 Miriam Montserrat Vega-Gordillo
Operation Managers
Marium is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Manchester after having attained a BSc (Hons) in Medicine from the University of St Andrews. During her time at university, she has organised several large-scale events, including conferences.
She is hoping that her time on the committee as Operations Manager broadens her understanding of the biotechnology field whilst also allowing her to meet lots of like-minded individuals.
In her free time, Marium enjoys baking and is always keen on trying new recipes!
Marium Zaidi
Petr is a second-year PhD student based at the University of Manchester. After completing his BSc in Biotechnology, he went to pursue a PhD focusing on the production of Covid-19 antigens in plants in hopes to manufacture a cheaper and more effective version of a Covid-19 vaccine.
As a part of the committee, Petr hopes to organise events making biotech more interesting and approachable to the public.
Outside of the lab, Petr enjoys climbing, skiing, cooking, and travelling.
Petr Broz
Megan is a second-year BBSRC DTP student whose project is focussed on the selective inhibition of pro-inflammatory microRNA’s for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Megan graduated as the University of Leeds’ highest-achieving Medical Science student, including a year-in-industry, where she worked as a Quality Assurance Assistant for an innovative medical devices company, The Binding Site. As well as academic experience, Megan worked through the pandemic as a Biotechnologist, manufacturing the Oxford Astra-Zeneca COVID vaccine. For her professional internship as part of her PhD programme, Megan is working for a virtual drug discovery company, C4X Discovery, learning how to select the next generation targets for curing intractable diseases.
Alongside her PhD, Megan works for a virtual tuition agency, aiming to ignite a passion for science in the younger generation. In her spare time, you’ll either find Megan in the gym or out enjoying Manchester’s best bars and restaurants!
Megan Taylor
Henrik is a first-year PhD student with Postgraduate Research Teaching Associate (PGRTA) Scholarships based at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester. His project is on the use of quantum chemical calculations to determine the effect of electric fields on catalytic reaction mechanisms. Before his PhD, he completed his bachelor's and integrated Master of Chemical Engineering programme (MEng) at the University of Manchester with First-Class Honours.
He aims to improve the catalyst activity and selectivity of enzymes. Furthermore, to help persuade the use of sustainable feedstock such as enzymes in chemical reactions to promote green chemistry practices in the industry.
When he is not found in the John Garside Building or the Engineering building. He is most likely exercising, catching up on his diaries or playing badminton
Henrik Wong
Veronika is a second-year BSc Biotechnology student at the University of Manchester and is hoping to pursue a career in synthetic biology, research within the biotechnology sector, disease or plant science, first exploring these fields further.
During her first year summer she worked in the Biological Research Facility at the Francis Crick Institute as an Animal Technician as well as being part of a Biotechnology studentship to represent a Biotech company for the VFA competition in Manchester.
Outside of University, Veronika plays piano and works at the Manchester Museum. She is hoping that her time on the team will introduce her to people knowledgeable of the biotech field and teach her new skills as well as broaden her interests for the subject.
Veronika Smirnova
Sahara is a second year PhD student, currently probing the metabolism of E. coli to produce plant derived therapeutics, namely anti- proliferative and anti- inflammatory agents. She has been an ambassador of the University of Manchester since 2016 when she moved from London to undertake her BSc in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry. She has since completed a Masters degree and worked as a vaccinator and in a Covid- 19 diagnostics lab during the pandemic.
She hopes to bring fresh ideas to the team and plan some new inclusive events in collaboration with the International Women's day committee, which she is part of.
Outside of the lab, she will most likely be found in one of Manchester's many local breweries, be hosting a dinner party or travelling around the world!
Sahara Bhanot
© 2022 Marium Zaidi
© 2022 Petr Broz
© 2022 Megan Taylor
© 2022 Henrik Wong
© 2023 Veronika Smirnova
© 2023 Sahara Bhanot
Inclusion Officer
Amar Rai
Amar is a final-year student on the MChem Chemistry with Industrial experience course at the University of Manchester, having recently completed his placement at RSSL, working in pharmaceutical Chemistry. He has a keen interest in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry as well as analytical and computational chemistry. Alongside his role at NWBI, Amar is also on the committee for the chemistry society at the University.
Amar hopes to help people make the connection between academia and industry and inspire the next generation, while broadening his own knowledge in the biotech field.
Outside the lab, Amar loves football and table tennis.
© 2022 Amar Rai
Advisors
Ross is a final-year PhD student at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester. His project focuses on structural biology for biofuels. Ross holds a First Class Honours degree in Chemistry with Industrial Experience from The University of Manchester (MChem, Class of '18)
Last year Ross was a Vice-chair of the NWBI, and NWBI won two awards from the Students' Union. Ross joined NWBI in 2019 to be a General Secretary. This year he continues as an Advisor, and he is hoping to contribute to the diverse experience of the committee and continue the successful track record of the Society.
Outside the lab, Ross is a keen swimmer and cinemagoer.
Iaroslav "Ross" Michurin
Olivia Knapp
Olivia is a fourth-year PhD student at the University of Manchester. Her research is focused on understanding the properties and functions of molecular knots and machines in the field of supramolecular chemistry. Before her PhD, Olivia obtained a First Class Honours in Chemistry MChem from the University of Oxford.
As Chair, she looks forward to strengthening the current networking platform between early career researchers and biotechnology sector professionals.
In her free time, Olivia enjoys playing tennis, watching rugby and playing the saxophone.