Douglas is a PhD student in the Gibson and Baker groups working on the synthesis of polymers for cryopreservation of biological pharmaceuticals, with a focus on precisely end-modified poly(vinyl alcohol) using photo-activated polymerization and modification. He has experience in polymer chemistry from the microlitre to litre scale, from his PhD producing precision bio-conjugates to his work on modified polyester resins in BonLab as a research assistant (2020-21).

In his master's degree (2019-20) he undertook a computational project modelling the stratification behaviour of motile colloidal particles in drying films.

During his PhD he gained considerable experience in MALDI-TOF MS for the characterization of polymers and their protein conjugates. In his spare time Douglas enjoys gardening, climbing and cooking.

Alex is a PhD student who joined BHCG in October 2024. He received a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Florida, where he developed a strong foundation in analytical techniques and materials science.

Currently, Alex is focused on an innovative research project that explores the application of short peptides in polymer-based structures to enhance the detection of snake venom using lateral flow devices. His work aims to contribute to advancements in rapid diagnostic tools, with the potential to improve safety in areas where snake bites are prevalent.

Outside of his research, Alex enjoys playing the clarinet and likes to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen.

Jack is a masters by research student who has joined the BHCG after completing his undergraduate degree in Chemistry at the University of Warwick.

His research is aiming to produce lateral flow device test lines from polymers, which he is making using RAFT polymerisation. These polymers will then be functionalised for the detection of snake venom.

Outside of his studies, Jack is an avid euphonium and tuba player, and the president of the University of Warwick Brass Society.

Zak is a MChem student that joined BHCG in October 2024.

His current research focuses on developing small molecule cyclisation linkers for small peptides and investigating their effects on binding.​

Neil is a second-year undergraduate who joined the BHCG in February 2024. He is deeply interested in the practical applications of polymers and colloids and is currently investigating the phase behavior of synthetic poly(vinyl acetate)-based copolymers in hydrocarbon solvents at the BonLab.

Neil's involvement with the BHCG began through a Royal Society outreach grant, where he acts as a laboratory supervisor for A-level students. His further engagement with the team spurred a keen interest in their research, particularly in the development of polymer-based structures for chemically oriented solutions, aimed at improving snake bite diagnostics. His future research within the BHCG aims to explore peptides to understand snake venom toxins. Beyond his academic pursuits, Neil is an avid jazz saxophonist, enjoys reading, and loves cooking with his family.

Ariana is a first-year undergraduate student, who has recently become a member of the Baker Humanitarian Chemistry Group. While her passion for chemistry is evident, she also holds a keen interest in Biology. Ariana is undertaking a URSS conducting a literature search with the goal of identifying targetable regions for snake antivenom. The aim of her research is to pinpoint these regions, ultimately paving the way for the development of synthetic antivenoms. This advancement holds promise for mitigating tropical diseases. Alongside her research she is supporting a public engagement research project with a local school.

In her free time Ariana enjoys cycling, ice-skating, and has recently developed an interest in cooking.

Ava is a first-year chemistry undergraduate student. She is working on a URSS funded project exploring the synthesis of polymers for receptor display in lateral flow device test lines. The designing of these polymer scaffolds will be achieved using reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization, aligned analytical techniques (NMR, GPC/SEC, etc) and lateral flow device fabrication.

Ava’s research aims to replace antibody test lines in lateral flow tests with scaffold polymers displaying receptors, a cheaper and more stable alternative. She will be presenting this work on open days.

Outside of chemistry Ava enjoys crochet, embroidery and trying out different gym classes.

Megan is a second year Chemistry MChem student. She was born in Brazil and moved to the UK at the age of 13 from Texas. As a part of the URSS scheme she is working on a project that explores the influence of biological fluids on the functionality of lateral flow glyco assays. The process will involve the synthesis of glycopolymers to target model proteins.

In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, reading, and collecting vinyl’s.

Arda is a third-year Undergraduate student keen on synthetic chemistry and molecular engineering, and their real-life applications. With a particular interest in materials and green energy development. He's currently working on the enzyme-free synthesis of target oligosaccharides to act as binding agents to rattlesnake venom lectins.

Whenever he has free time, he enjoys playing drums and guitar, reading, boxing and rating local restaurants.

MChem Student 2022/23

Mahdi worked on exploring the binding of C. atrox venom to glycans for diagnostic applications.

He has gone on to work for KPMG and study Graduate Medicine.

PhD Student 2023/24

Huba was born in Romania and moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 14. In 2019 he graduated from the University of Reading with a master's chemistry degree (MChem). During his master’s project ‘An olefin metathesis approach to zwitterionic materials’ he developed zwitterionic monomers as drug delivery vehicle candidates.

He was a BBSRC-funded MIBTP PhD student of Warwick, joint between Gibson, Sagona and Baker groups, collaborating with Cytiva. His PhD project involved the development of a cryoprotective formulation for long-term storage of bacteriophages and bacteriophage-inhibiting compounds for the protection of bacterial stocks.

PhD Mini-Project Student 2023/24

Ishwarjeet was a 1st year PhD candidate in the 2023 cohort of the Analytical Sciences Centre for Doctoral Training PhD programme. He conducted his first project rotation in the Baker Humanitarian Chemistry group, which revolved around the development of a rapid diagnostic test for snake envenomation treatment.

MSc Student 2023/24

Zaimire is from China and is one of China's ethnic minorities Uyghur. In 2023, she graduated from Dalian University of Technology with a bachelor's degree in Polymer Materials. Her bachelor's project focused on "The Investigation on the Mechanism of Unlocked-Locked Living Anionic Polymerization."

In 2023, she embarked on her graduate studies in Polymer science at the University of Warwick. Her MSc project focused on applying synthetic polymer chemistry to lateral flow devices for rapid & robust diagnostics in medically relevant media. The project aimed to demonstrate that glycopolymer-functionalized gold nanoparticles can be utilized for detecting a target in medically or biologically relevant media (such as blood, saliva, etc.) in lateral flow.

MChem Student 2023/24

Derecash Anokye was a final year Medicinal Chemistry MChem student.

As a part of BHCG, he worked on the synthesis of glycosylated gold nanoparticles and their relative binding to lectins in venom of the Crotalus Atrox versus other venoms. The project entailed particle synthesis and the measurement of relative absorbance of glycosylated gold nanoparticles against varying concentrations of venom in glyco-assays.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow 2024

Roberto earned his Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University Federico II of Napoli, Italy, in 2019. In 2024, he completed his PhD in Chemistry under Prof. Remzi Becer as part of the BIOMOLMACS ITN (MSCA Horizon2020) at University of Warwick, focusing on glycosylated lipidic and polymeric nanoparticles as well as artificial cell membranes.

Next, Roberto joined BHCG as a Postdoctoral Researcher, centring on the formulation of sugar-decorated gold nanoparticles and their binding to snake venom. He has gone onto a successful career in industry with Vianautis.