Morgan Phillips
- University of Warwick
- How to build a photosynthetic cell: a role for chromosome structure
- Dr Richard Puxty
Cyanobacteria are the microorganisms that invented photosynthesis. I’m looking at the structure of the chromosome in cyanobacteria, and how it could potentially be used to enhance photosynthesis. Specifically, whether the positions of photosynthesis-related genes within the chromosome can result in altered photosynthetic output. This is crucial for
biotechnological advancement for carbon capture mechanisms to combat climate change.
I did an integrated master’s degree in the same lab that I’m currently in! By the end of my PhD I’ll have been here for 8 years.
I had so much fun on my master’s degree I couldn’t miss the opportunity to continue doing what I enjoyed.
How impactful the research is! I always try and allow environmental issues to guide my decisions, whether it’s the food I eat or the clothes I wear. Choosing to study with CENTA was an obvious choice to do impactful research aligning with my beliefs.
I’m not sure yet whether academia or industry is the way forward, but the amount of training offered will definitely prepare me to go into either. From every workshop thus far I’ve already felt myself better equipped for the future.
