Alexander Wilkes
Thesis Title: Multi-modal Raman and mass spectrometry imaging for the identification of antibiotic resistant microbial biofilms and their underlying biomarkers.
Primary Theme: Artificial Intelligence and Informatics
Secondary Theme: Biological Mass Spectrometry
Franklin Supervisors: Dr Laura Shemilt, Dr Felicia Green, Dr Anthony Devlin
University: University of Southampton
University Supervisors: Prof. Jeremy Webb, Dr Callum Highmore
At the Franklin, Alex’s project aims to develop workflows using machine learning to correlate Raman spectroscopy and mass spectrometry that would allow for identification and characterisation of biofilms and their underlying chemistry.
Alex graduated from the University of Reading with a BSc in Biochemistry and MRes in Biomedicine. Before joining the Franklin, he worked for 3 years as a research assistant in the University of Oxford’s Centre for Medicines Discovery, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases.
High Resolution imaging with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) is a highly sensitive analytical technique offering detailed chemical composition analysis in 3D space with subcellular resolution.
Trapped ion mobility (TIMS) time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometry
A cutting-edge commercial Bruker mass spectrometry (MS) instrument, coupling high sensitivity, high resolution, rapid time of flight (TOF) mass analysis to high resolution trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) enabling structural elucidation.