Mathematical models and computer simulations provide a great way to describe the function and operation of BioBrick Parts and Devices. Synthetic Biology is an engineering discipline, and part of engineering is simulation and modeling to determine the behavior of your design before you build it. Designing and simulating can be iterated many times in a computer before moving to the lab. This award is for teams who build a model of their system and use it to inform system design or simulate expected behavior in conjunction with experiments in the wetlab.
In 2015 Ross began a PhD at the University of Manchester in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, where he works on post-transcriptional control of gene expression in bacteria. He is also interested in biosensing and multivariate Design of Experiments for the optimisation of synthetic metabolic pathways.
Ross graduated from the University of Exeter with a B.Sc. Hons in Biology in 2012, during which he gained work experience at Rothamsted Research. Following this he worked in the Exeter Microbial Biofuels Group, before beginning a M.Sc. by Research at the Shell Technology Centre in Houston, Texas in collaboration with Royal Dutch Shell. Here he worked on consolidated bioprocessing of waste material for biofuel production. Ross is an avid rock climber with a passion for the outdoors and travel.
Nick Weise
Nick gained a B.Sc. (Hons) Molecular Biology from The University of Manchester before completing a Ph.D. in Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University’s Centre of Excellence in Biocatalysis. He currently works at the Manchester of Institute of Biotechnology where he researches the discovery and engineering of enzymes for use in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis. He is involved in teaching courses introductory and organic chemistry as well as in industrial biotechnology, whilst also coordinating the engagement and outreach initiatives of the institute. In his spare time he enjoys trampolining, gymnastics coaching and playing clarinet in the Manchester Wind Orchestra.