December 15, 2025
Stepping into the third year of my #PhD feels both surreal and exciting. Working within the BiodeCCodiNNg Doctoral Network has pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me grow-scientifically and personally in many ways. Over the past year, I have worked on the development of artificial metalloenzymes for C–C bond formation, as well as explored new biocatalytic routes toward hydroxypipecolic acid derivatives using metal-dependent Class II aldolases. This journey has taught me how to think creatively and approach challenges with patience and #curiosity.
Beyond the lab, at the beginning of this year I also joined Latin dance classes in my free time after work. Besides being great fun, they have taught me how to interact with people on different social levels, support others, and bring positive energy into a group-skills that resonate with research life as well.
Last month also marked the beginning of my academic #secondment at the University of Groningen, where I am starting a new chapter of my PhD focused on HBPA, a Class I aldolase with very high activity toward its natural substrate, pyruvate, but low activity toward pyruvate derivatives. During this secondment, which is forming the third subject of my thesis, my goal is to identify key amino-acid residues for mutation and construct a focused library using site-directed mutagenesis. Ultimately, the aim is to evolve HBPA to better accept alternative substrates and improve both conversion and stereochemical outcome of the resulting aldol products.
I am more than ready to see what the next year will bring: new steps in the project, new people, and new conferences.
#PhDLife #PhDAnniversary #AcademicSecondment #DoctoralNetwork #BiodeCCodiNNg #Biocatalysis #BiodeCCodiNNgDN #MSCA
