Niamh Morris
Thesis Title: Autonomous phenotype-directed discovery of chemical probes
Primary Theme: Next Generation Chemistry
Franklin supervisors: Prof Adam Nelson and Dr Liang Wu
University: University of Leeds
University supervisor: Dr Megan Wright
Niamh is from Ireland and completed her undergraduate studies in Medicinal Chemistry at Trinity College Dublin. She is looking forward to working in the unique and collaborative environment at the Franklin and joining others in tackling important health research challenges.
Niamh’s project focusses on small-molecule chemical probes which are highly valuable in both drug discovery and chemical biology. She aims to develop an autonomous phenotype-directed approach for the discovery and optimisation of functionally diverse chemical probes. Exemplar probes will be harnessed to reveal new insights into biological mechanisms. Autonomous, function-driven generation of the probes will enable a broader and more diverse exploration of chemical space than traditional human-driven, target-based approaches.
High Throughput Discovery
The High Throughput Discovery Lab aims to accelerate the discovery of novel bioactive molecules and chemistries which enable understanding, and modulation of, biomedical mechanisms.
Structural Glycobiology
Complex carbohydrate molecules are essential for life. These diverse structures are found on every human cell and participate in a huge range of structural and signalling functions within cells, and between cells and the extracellular matrix.