Dr. Sarah Davey – FoodBioSystems DTP student 2020/24 (BBSRC funded), PDRA 2024+
Project: Repositioning histone modification inhibitors as next generation flukicides.
Supervisors: Prof. Karl Hoffmann, Dr. Iain Chalmers., Dr. Aaron Maule (QUB)
“Being a part of the Hoffmann lab has been a profoundly rewarding experience, with opportunities to collaborate on a range of projects that have encouraged me to grow and gain confidence as a scientist. Through my time here I have been encouraged to explore new skills and work innovatively in unexplored areas; this balance of intellectual challenge and dedicated support has deepened my understanding of the field and led to the development of a personal resilience that I am incredible grateful for. I look forward to carrying this experience into my career as I start out as a researcher.”
Shashika Abeysekara – Master of Research in Parasite Control and Commonwealth Shared Scholar 2023/24
Project: Characterizing an epigenetic reader in Schistosoma mansoni to better understand its role in parasite growth and development, which could contribute to future drug development.
Supervisor: Prof. Karl Hoffmann
“Hi, I’m Shashika from Sri Lanka. Throughout my time with the Hoffmann group, I was fortunate to receive incredible guidance and support from a team of knowledgeable and dedicated researchers. This experience not only enhanced my understanding of parasitic diseases but also provided me with valuable transferable skills, which will be vital as I pursue my career in science. I truly enjoyed my time at Aberystwyth and working with such an inspiring team.”
Ziada Kiwanuka – Master of Research in Parasite Control and Commonwealth Shared Scholar 2023/24
Project: Sphingosine kinase (SphK) a new drug target for treating Schistosomiasis
Supervisor: Prof. Karl Hoffmann
“My name is Ziada Kiwanuka from Tanzania. My research focused on sphingosine kinase (SphK) a new drug target for treating schistosomiasis. Under the supervision of Prof. Karl Hoffmann and his dedicated laboratory team, I gained invaluable knowledge, practical skills, and deeper insights into cutting-edge drug discovery research. It has been an incredibly enriching experience.”
Sam Grinsell – KESS2 Mphil student, part funded by Techion Ltd 2021/23
Project – Development of the FECPAKG2 system for canine parasite monitoring and control
Supervisors – Dr Russ Morphew, Dr Rhys Jones, Eurion Thoms (Techion Ltd.).
“My MPhil project was an invaluable and rewarding experience that challenged me and helped me grow. Under the guidance and support of my supervisors, Dr. Russ Morphew and Dr. Rhys Jones, as well as my fellow researchers, I gained the skills and confidence to pursue my passion for parasitology. These skills have been instrumental in my journey, enabling me to explore my interest in veterinary infectious diseases and ultimately secure a place in a PhD training program. My time at Aberystwyth University has profoundly shaped my future, granting me the freedom to follow my aspirations.”
Boontarikaan Wititkornkul – PhD in Biological Sciences, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) Thailand funded 2018/23
Project: Horsing Around with Anoplocephala perfoliata: A Polyomic Investigation of the Host–Parasite Interface
Supervisors: Dr. Ruth Wonfor, Dr. Russ Morphew
Hi, I’m Pom from Thailand! My PhD journey at Aberystwyth University has been nothing short of transformative. My research on an equine tapeworm, Anoplocephala perfoliata, allowed me to explore cutting-edge polyomic techniques, unlocking a deeper understanding of host-parasite interactions. This work has not only broadened our knowledge of equine gastrointestinal health but also paved the way for innovative parasite management strategies. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Ruth Wonfor and Dr. Russ Morphew, I honed invaluable skills in molecular parasitology and bioinformatics. The supportive and collaborative environment in my lab, alongside the vibrant academic
Michael Aderibigbe Arowosegbe – Master of Research in Parasite Control and Commonwealth Shared Scholar 2020/21
Project title: Assessing the roles of Schistosoma mansoni fucosyltransferase B in reproduction
Supervisor: Professor. Karl Hoffmann
I am Michael Arowosegbe from Nigeria, and I had the privilege of working in the Hoffmann Lab—a truly enriching and inspiring experience. During my time there, I developed valuable functional genomics skills to advance our understanding of schistosome reproduction. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Hoffmann group fostered an incredibly supportive and enjoyable environment, making my time in the beautiful city of Aberystwyth unforgettable. I couldn’t have asked for a better lab or a more vibrant setting to be part of during such a unique period.
Anna Wawer – Master of Research in Parasite Control 2019/20
Project: Circadian rhythms in Schistosoma mansoni
Supervisor: Prof. Karl Hoffmann
“Hi, I’m Anna, originally from Poland and Ireland. My fascination with helminths began during my undergrad at Aberystwyth, which led me to join the Hoffmann group for an MRes in Parasite Control. My research focused on circadian rhythms in Schistosoma mansoni, and the supportive, highly collaborative environment led to a co-publication of my findings. The Hoffmann group was a fantastic place to kick start a career as an independent researcher, providing lots of opportunities and support from supervisor, PhD students and staff alike. I really enjoyed my time here and would highly recommend joining the group for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this field.”
Annabel Peachey – Master of Research in Parasite Control 2019/20
Project: Characterisation of the fucosyltransferases (FucTs) in Schistosoma mansoni identifies a role for FucTB in egg production.
Supervisor: Prof. Karl Hoffmann
“Hi, I’m Annabel. My time with the Hoffmann lab group at Aberystwyth was incredibly fulfilling. Working on my MRes project with such a knowledgeable and friendly team not only equipped me with valuable skills and experience but also gave me the confidence to pursue a career in scientific research. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and got to work with some amazing people.”
Josh Dinsmore – Master of Research in Parasite Control 2019/20
Project title: A comparative metabolomic study exploring the male and female Schistosoma mansoni metabolomes identifying significant differences associated with purine, pyrimidine and taurine metabolism
Supervisor: Professor Karl Hoffmann
Hi, my name is Josh and I am from Ireland! I completed both my undergraduate degree (microbiology) and postgraduate degree (MRes parasite control) at Aberystwyth University. During my MRes degree, I had an excellent opportunity to work with Professor Hoffmann and the Barrett Centre for Helminth Control, where I gained invaluable laboratory, research and data analysis skills which I utilise daily in my current profession as a pre-registered clinical scientist. I would highly recommend this degree scheme and to anyone with an interest in parasitology research as it provides an excellent hand on experience that is extremely beneficial to understand these diseases. The team are very welcoming and were always happy to help me through my development during my degree.
Oluwafemi Jude Ogunmola – Master of Research in Parasite Control 2019/20
Project: DOT1L; a potential epigenetic drug target for Schistosoma mansoni control
Supervisor: Prof. Karl Hoffmann
“One of the most significant highlights of my research career was my time in the Hoffmann Lab. I greatly appreciated the balance of mentorship from PhD students and postdoctoral staff while still enjoying the independence of running my research project. I had the opportunity to learn new cutting-edge research techniques backed by comprehensive technical support, which provided me with invaluable hands-on experience transferable to any biomedical research endeavor. Overall, my experience in the Hoffmann Lab significantly shaped me into a more competent and confident researcher.”
Isabel Guadano Procesi – Master of Research in Parasite Control 2018/19
Project: Methionyl-tRNA synthetase as a drug target in Schistosoma mansoni
Supervisor: Prof. Karl Hoffmann
“Hi, I am Isabel Guadano Procesi, from Italy. My wonderful experience with the Hoffmann group has been fundamental to my academic and scientific career. In a fun and stimulating environment, I was able to enhance my education and explore areas of research and parasitology that were new to me. My training during my Master’s year was certainly the driving force that allowed me to continue in the research field and make it my career today.”
Izabel Filis – Master of Research in Parasite Control 2018/19
Project: exploring the anthelmintic properties of antiviral compounds
Supervisor: Prof. Karl Hoffmann
Hi, my name is Izabel from South Wales. My journey with the Hoffmann lab started with my undergraduate Biology degree, where my project focused on exploring the anthelmintic properties of antiviral compounds – and I was hooked! Inspired by this experience, I stayed on to complete an MRes in Parasite Control with Karl and his team. Working with the group was an incredible opportunity that shaped my development as a scientist. I gained a solid foundation in both essential lab skills and advanced techniques, including some specialised culturing methods. The knowledge and mentorship I received during this time was invaluable and set the stage for my future career. Today, I am proud to work at a GLP-accredited laboratory specialising in entomology R&D, building on the strong foundation I gained from my time in the Hoffmann lab.