This project is focused on researching the structure of the thermostable TK from Geobacillus stearothermophilus, as well as of variants engineered by directed evolution for non-native substrate tolerance. The researcher ESR6 will harness different crystallisation and time-resolved X-ray techniques to perform this task and proceed with protein engineering to further target and design variants with improved activity and selectivity.

I started my academic career with a BSc in Biological Sciences at the University of Milan, then I moved to the field of Biotechnology for the Bioeconomy for my MSc, at the same university.  My main interest is in applied biocatalysis, shaping proteins to  meet our needs exactly. In my free time, I love reading, dancing and… visiting historical graveyards! Science has always been my natural choice: as a child, I was fascinated by natural wonders and big achievements of the human intellect. I really can’t stand egoism in the society: We should all collaborate to make our world better, step by step. I am excited of being part of an era of big changes in all aspects of society, I can’t wait to see what the future will bring. I hope this PhD training will give me a solid base to continue doing research in the biocatalysis field, especially for new-to-nature reactions.