Profile

In essence my work involves modifying natural proteins using chemical techniques to make novel materials.

The first step involves making the protein positively charged.

The second step involves addition of a negatively charged polymer molecule to the protein – like charges attract, causing many polymer chains to stick to each protein (think of it as a hairy protein. These hairy proteins start clumping together, and can then be used to form new materials…

… like Films!

What’s even cooler is that if the proteins in question are enzymes then it’s very possible to use them to carry out chemical reactions. This means we can use a material that is very thin and easy to handle to turn chemical reactions on and off – a chemical switch!

Typically I’m in by 9ish or a bit before – I cycle 10 minutes to Uni which allows me to get my thoughts in order. I’ll usually put down a to-do list on getting to the office and start working my way through it. If there’s lab work to be done I’ll start it up immediately – our lab is right opposite the office so it’s easy to get in. I’m a bit too much of an experimentalist at times so will happily stay in the lab for a few hours doing all sorts of things – starting new reactions, checking samples, running assays, dialyzing proteins (i.e chucking them into large beakers of water to clean them up).

Lunchtime is around 13.00 – I usually have this with other members of the group and we do the Guardian quick crossword, nothing beats a group effort. If I’ve got any errands to run or other things to do I do them then, and try to get back into things by 14.00

Afternoons are usually milder paced (banana and apple at 16.00), but depends on the day. If I’ve got new data I’ll process it into results, and in an ideal world I’d also write it up into a mini lab report to have on file. I’m usually heading home by 18.00ish, depending on what I need to do.

On some afternoons there are talks/seminars by academics from different universities – I regularly attend these, good opportunity for learning things.

I think the above sounds more like “my ideal day”. In reality I deviate from the above quite a bit due to to things like:

Instruments going out of action.

Realizing I didn’t book the instrument I wanted on time and that it is now booked till 18.00 or so.

Other group members asking me for help with techniques, advice etc.

An experiment not working as I expected, or not being able to understand results (can easily lead to loss of morale).

Having other things to do like science outreach (I give talks to students), notetaking or tutoring.

And sometimes I do pop in on the weekends to run experiments or get things going –  a few hours is usually OK, especially when it’s quiet.