Ellie Tardo

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PhD Student

Thesis Title: In vivo structural investigation of the TonB system via Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR)

Primary Theme: Structural Biology

Secondary Theme: Next Generation Chemistry

Franklin Supervisors: Dr Lucile Moynié, Prof Ben Davis

University: University of St Andrews

University Supervisors: Dr Bela Bode, Dr Katrin Ackermann

Ellie’s project focuses on investigating the mechanism and structural components of the Ton B system, a network or membrane proteins that mediates nutrient uptake by active transport in gram negative bacteria, with Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). The project’s aim consist in gaining insight into such system by designing new spin labelling approaches for in cellulo studies and developing suitable EPR methods.

Ellie completed a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Essex, with a final year project focusing on structural bioinformatics. She then received her MRes in Drug Design and Development from Imperial College London, where she worked on designing, synthesising, characterising and testing peptides intended to target the origin licensing machinery in an effort to inhibit DNA replication. At the Franklin, Ellie is looking forward to exploring different techniques within the themes and is excited to get involved in co-designing her PhD project.