Team

Postdoctoral Researchers

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Dr Kushal Samanta

Kushal completed his master’s degree in chemistry with Inorganic Chemistry specialization from University of Calcutta. He joined in Bioinorganic Laboratory of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to pursue PhD in Calix[4]arene chemistry. In 2017, he joined Tianjin University as a postdoctoral scholar, in the group of Prof. Han Zuilhof and Dr. Andrew C. –H. Sue to explore various facets of rim-differentiated Pillar[5]arene chemistry and small molecular Cholera Toxin inhibitor. In 2018, he was awarded SAFEA grant for outstanding Postdocs by Government of China and allocated a funding to conduct research in an overseas university. During his tenure in Tianjin University, China and Wageningen University, Netherland, he established synthesis of new pentavalent macrocycle. In February 2021, Kushal joined School of Chemistry of University of Kent as a PDRA to explore enantiospecific synthesis of the short peptide-metal cages, he also explored non-natural amino acid synthesis, and oligoproline peptides, In March 2023, Kushal joined Dr. Pike’s group to explore synthesis and recognition behaviour of photo-active foldamers. In his free time, Kushal likes to play all sort of games.

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Dr Liam McGarry

Liam completed a BSc(Hons) in Chemistry and Biochemistry, double major, at Massey University (New Zealand). He joined the Prof Houlton group at Newcastle University (UK) and completed a PhD investigating coinage metal coordination with sulfur-modified nucleobases. He investigated the self-assembly of a low-weight molecular gelator, a gold(I)-bis-6-thioguanosine complex. He also studied coordination polymers, nanoclusters, and the coordination of coinage metals to sulfur-modified DNA. In April 2024, Liam joined Dr Pike’s group to research foldamers. Liam is an enthusiastic artist who likes to paint, write and sculpt; he has a BA in Fine Art from Central St. Martins, London. In his spare time, he enjoys running, playing badminton and swimming.

Students

Alex Davis

Alex completed his undergraduate degree at The University of Birmingham, England in 2021. He worked on his MSci project under the supervision of Dr Anna Peacock, researching and analysing DNA-peptide interactions for applications in synthesising mechanically interlocked peptide-DNA rotaxanes. He supports AFC Wimbledon and enjoys playing the saxophone and keeping fit in his spare time.

PhD Student

Sena Ozturk

Sena Ozturk completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Kent, Canterbury in 2021. After getting her Bachelor’s, she continued onto a Masters at the University of Kent under the supervision of supramolecular chemist, Prof Jennifer Hiscock. Her research involved “Synthesis and study of potential fluorescent sensors and steps towards understanding a new class of SSAs”. She is now doing her Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr Sarah Pike, and is working on the development of responsive oligomers for functional applications. She also supports AFC Wimbledon, enjoys playing on her Nintendo SwitchTM, and reading. She is also enjoys writing about herself in the third person,

PhD Student

Moosa Wasim

Moosa completed his MSci degree earlier this year. For his MSci project, he worked in the O'Reilly group, investigating click chemistry for use in DNA-templated synthesis. Moosa is now pursuing a PhD in the Pike group as a joint project student with Dr Chiara Arno, this project is funded by the The Centre for Doctoral Training in Topological Design (CDT). In his spare time, he likes watching football and supports Aston Villa. He also enjoys following cricket and playing video games.

PhD Student

Tabitha Seymour

Tabitha is a final year MSci student at the University of Birmingham. She recently completed a year in industry at Roche in Basel, Switzerland. For her MSci project, Tabitha is working on the development of photo-responsive foldamer systems. In her spare time, Tabitha enjoys long distance running and playing netball.

MSci Student

Katherine Deverson

Katie completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Birmingham in 2023. She worked on her MSci project supervised by Prof James Tucker researching the use of ferrocene nucleic acids to sense mercury. In her spare time, Katie is an avid dancer taking part in national competitions on both the university and open circuit. She also enjoys doing cross-stitching and calligraphy to relax.

MRes Student