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.”
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.”
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.”
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.