David Nicholson

Email: bsdn@leeds.ac.uk
Thesis title: A structural investigation into the mechanisms of ribosome-targeting antibiotic action and resistance in pathogenic bacteria
Supervisor: Professor Neil Ranson, Dr Alex O'Neill, Dr Thomas Edwards

Profile

I graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA/MSci in Natural Sciences, specialising in Chemistry. My research project involved the synthesis and characterisation of semiconductor nanoparticles for use in toxic waste remediation. Following this, I embarked on the 4-year Wellcome Trust PhD programme at the University of Leeds. In my first year I carried out research in enzymology, viral structural biology, and amyloid protein characterisation, before moving on to my main PhD project.

As co-president of the Astbury Society, I help to organise social events for the Astbury community. I also enjoy organising and participating in science public engagment events.

Research interests

I use cryo-electron microscopy to study the structures of ribosomes and ribosome-antibiotic complexes from a range of resistance-prone pathogenic bacteria, to pave way for the development of novel species-specific and broad-spectrum ribosome-targeting antibiotics.

Qualifications

BA/MSci in Natural Sciences (Chemistry)