People
Current Lab Members

Dr Harry Jackson
Postdoctoral Research Associate
PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology (University of Southampton)
BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry (Queen Mary University)
Email: h.o.jackson@ucl.ac.uk
Research Interests: (Re)design of the chloroplast genome: towards a synthetic organelle
Advances in sequencing technologies and a concurrent acceleration in the understanding of cellular biology has opened the door to a revolution in synthetic biology. For the first time, not only can complex gene networks be understood, they can be rationally engineered on a genome-scale using standardised combinatorial strategies. This has spawned several ongoing efforts to build a ‘minimal genome’. The pursuit of this goal not only incentivises a deeper and more holistic understanding of basic biology and genome regulation; if successful, such a minimized system could provide a powerful platform to further probe the basic requirements for life and engineer strains with an expansion of novel and commercially relevant traits. The chloroplast genome of the green alga C. reinhardtii is a well-suited model system to overcome the obstacles to fully realising this potential. In this system, the goal of my current research is the generation of a minimal synthetic genome via iterative cycles of design, construction and testing.

Julanie Stapelberg
PhD candidate in Algal Biotechnology (UCL)
MSc in Biotechnology (University of Pretoria)
BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology (University of Pretoria)
Email: julanie.stapelberg.19@ucl.ac.uk
Research Interests: fine-tuning recombinant protein expression within the Chlamydomonas chloroplast
The green microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, has seen increasing interest as a cellular factory for the expression of recombinant proteins. With its Generally Recognised as a Safe (GRAS) status, it may be used as a whole edible cell – mitigating downstream costs, with great value as a food or feed additive. Despite routine transformation, the expression of recombinant proteins remains low. Several parameters may affect the steady-state level of recombinant proteins, and to reach maximum yields, a design strategy specific to the C. reinhardtii chloroplast is essential.
My research interests include:
1) Exploring different DNA regulatory elements and reporter systems to better understand gene expression and protein production in the chloroplast.
2) Improving the correct folding and accumulation of disulphide-rich proteins in the chloroplast.
3) Using an optimised strategy to produce sweet proteins in the chloroplast for whole cell food applications.

Gabriel Scoglio
Ph.D. Student
MSc in Bioscience Entrepreneurship
BSc in Biomedical Sciences
Email: gabriel.scoglio.17@ucl.ac.uk
Research Interests: Cultivation and Genetic Engineering of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae.
Hello, I am a Ph.D. student currently working on a strain of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) from Klamath Lake, Oregon - an edible high-value nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium which has already obtained worldwide approval as a food/supplement. My project is to isolate it, determine its optimal growth conditions, unravel its genome sequence, and eventually, genetically engineer it. The overarching aim is to be able to culture AFA at mass scale for commercial reasons. If you are interested in the project or want to collaborate, feel free to contact me.