Overview
Vivian completed her Masters of Pharmacy (Honours) degree and PhD at the University of Nottingham. Her PhD research focused primarily on the chemical synthesis of macrocyclic peptides and the subsequent microbiological evaluation of the synthesised peptides against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which led to the development of new lead teixobactin analogues with excellent bactericidal activity against clinically relevant Gram-positive bacteria. Her research also showed, for the first time, that the antimicrobial activity of the analogues may be “restored” against pathogenic Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa when combined with sub-therapeutic concentration of an outer membrane-disruptive agent. The significance of her research was recognised through the successful publication of her work in one of the high impact scientific journals. During her undergraduate years, she also undertook internship research projects at the University of Oxford which had resulted in the identification of novel small molecules for the treatment of a rare inherited neurodegenerative disorder. Having developed an interest in Intellectual Property, Vivian is now working towards qualifying as a registered Patent Attorney in our Chemical & Life Science team.