Always enthusiastic about learning about the natural world and applying what we've learnt for the betterment of others

About me

Thank you for visiting my website, my name is Matt, a doctor of sciences in molecular biology and biophysics. I enjoy all things related to the natural sciences, especially biology. I'm always motivated to learn more and I'm fascinated by ways to apply what we know to improve our world. 

I have been lucky enough to experience a diverse range of laboratory environments giving me a broad perspective. My expertise is focused on protein design, production, protein-ligand binding, and analysis through a wide range of biochemical, biophysical, and microbiological techniques. I always make sure to interpret my results with a view of the broader context to better understand the true in vivo functions. 

When I'm not working in research I like to tinker with ways to bring life science into the home through fermentation and preservation. Harnessing microorganisms in the kitchen is a great way to see and understand how many ways we can apply life science in everyday life. I also enjoy the great outdoors, swimming, and a good book. 

Work experience

Research Assistant

ETH Zurich 08.2019 - 07.2024

Headed a research project focused on mechanisms antibiotic resistance transfer through natural transformation.

• Developed in-depth knowledge of life science techniques, their design, optimisation, and execution. 

• Coordinated multiple independent research projects simultaneously, developing a strong ability to multitask.

• Designed projects for and supervised several students, gaining experience in management and oversight. 

• Purified several proteins, refined and optimised purifications, and designed and engineered constructs including a synthetic chimeric protein. 

• Resolved protein structures through EM, X-ray crystallography and NMR, performed sample preparation and data analysis myself. 

• Paired structural knowledge with biochemical and biophysical characterisation to understand protein functions. 

• Combined in vitro knowledge with in vivo experiments to predict and observe changes to the phenotype.

• Established, performed and optimised high throughput screening and production methods for efficient generation of results. 

• Author on two publications in high impact journals with further work ongoing. 

The research over my doctorate was both challenging and exciting requiring constant initiative and the motivation to pursue new threads of research and learn new techniques. 

Research Assistant

University of Sheffield 09.2018 - 07.2019

My master's thesis project was focused on how Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a causative agent of pneumonia, adheres to lung tissue through a tight adherence (TAD) pilus. 

• Performed cryo-EM analysis of TAD pili with an aim for structural determination.

• Cultured BSL-2 bacteria while maintaining a safe and sterile working environment.

• Gained experience in the purification of soluble and membrane proteins. 

• Performed an in depth analysis of the literature which was slated for publication. 

• Trained and supervised junior lab members. 

I began this project as a master's student but was retained as research assistant after I finished so I could continue my research and keep training the junior lab members. 

Research Internship

University of Sheffield 06.2018 - 09.2018

I applied for and received a grant from the biochemical society to fund a project into the mechanisms of DNA segregation in bacteria. 

• Assisted with the design of, assembled and operated microfluidic cells and coated the internals with substrate. 

• Performed total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to study assembly rates of protein onto DNA. 

• Quantified assembly and disassembly rates to further understand 

I also submitted research reports to the biochemical society funding the placement. 

Research Internship

University of Sheffield 01.2018 - 06.2018

We investigated whether the different morphologies of amyloid-beta fibrils that cause Alzheimer's have a clinical relevance. 

• Assembled amyloid-beta fibers in vitro and compared them to those obtained from in vivo sources. 

• Used negative stain and cryo-electron microscopy to analyse the fibrils and attempt to resolve their structures. 

• Quantified the morphology abundance and performed statistical analyses. 

This lab gave me my first view of how structural and biophysical techniques can be used to understand how proteins effect their in vivo environments. 

Research Internship

Universita degli studi di Genova 06.2017 - 08.2017

Worked in a lab developing viral treatments for gliomas which are tumours in neurological tissue. 

• Learned mammalian cell culturing, I split cells and maintained cell lines. 

• Cared for, used, and analysed the data from animal models in the form of mice. 

• Performed viral transfection for genome editing and development of selective cell targeting. 

This was an exciting international environment showing me the world of cell and cancer biology in addition to enhancing my Italian language ability. 

For further detail on my research please see my professional projects. 

Education

ETH Zurich

August 2019 - July 2024

DOCTOR OF SCIENCES, Dr. sc. ETH Zurich

• Research project into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance transfer through natural transformation.

• Graduated from the institute of molecular biology and biophysics (IMBB) in the biology faculty.

• Coauthor on a nature communications paper and first author on an upcoming paper.

University of Sheffield

September 2015 - August 2019

MASTER OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE, MBiolSci 1st Hons

• Final research project on the structure and function of the tight adherence (TAD) pilus of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

• Spent my summers exploring further projects through elective research internships to gain more diverse experiences.

• Recipient of the biochemical society summer placement grant to fund research into DNA segregation in Vibrio cholerae.

Recreational activities

I am very passionate about cooking and applying microbiology to the home kitchen, as can be seen with my recreational projects. Beyond life science however, I enjoy swimming, reading, and the occasional game of chess (should you wish to challenge me my Lichess account name is mephetran). I have a love of the mountains and greatly enjoy hiking, skiing and sightseeing.

Photos