Carolyn Schwab

I wish to pursue a research lead career in synthetic organic chemistry. I am looking for a position that will provide me with expertise in this field. I am hoping for an opportunity to help me fulfil my potential and contribute to the advancement of international and relevant research. 

Academic year 2021-2022                  University of Strathclyde, Prof. Tomkinson’s Group, Glasgow

Role: For my masters project I worked on the development of a small molecular probe which was designed to function as intracellular probe to monitor redox processes occurring inside cells. The molecule is designed to absorb in the cell silent region of a Raman spectrum, allowing for spectroscopy to be used to image changes of redox potential within the cellular region of absorption. The project is heavily focused on the synthetic aspect; with the synthesis of the desired target molecule being the main challenge I was faced with.

October 2020 – August 2021             Technical University Berlin, Suessmuth Group, Berlin

Role: As part of the Suessmuth group I was working on the total synthesis of the natural peptide darobactin, alongside PhD student Manuel Gemander. The project involved the synthesis, isolation, optimisation, purification and characterisation of organic molecules through a multistep linear synthetic sequence. I learned how to structure work on a complex synthetic route, plan individual reactions through the means of literature publications, adapt published procedures to fit our target objectives and apply different areas of chemistry, to a research laboratory environment. I obtained an understanding of laboratory techniques such as amino acid synthesis, enantioselective synthesis, advanced analytics (NMR, MS), medicinal chemistry knowledge, peptide synthesis and instrument handling (HPLC, CombiFlash, Peptide Synthesizer, LCMS, NMR).

Summer 2019                                     University of Strathclyde, Prof. Fauld’s Group, Glasgow

Role: I undertook a summer placement as part of the bio nano group under Prof. Karen Faulds at the University of Strathclyde. In the role I was part of her research group focused on applying Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of nano particles within the field of bioanalysis aligned to in the life and clinical sciences.

October 2015                                        Starke & Sohn GmbH Mineral Oil Factory, Niebuell, Germany

Role: During this placement, I obtained an insight into the quality assurance laboratory based
within the company. I assisted overlooking the quality analysis of refined oils and gained
an understanding of the analytical processes applied within the company. I learned how to prepare samples for a variety of analytical techniques and how to collect and file the data obtained.

2017 – 2022                University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
MChem in Pure and Applied Chemistry, First Class Degree
                                                                                                                                    

Final Year Project with Prof. Nick Tomkinson: Synthesis and design of probes for intracellular sensing of redox potential using Raman spectroscopy.

Practical synthesis and analysis laboratory work, assignments, groupwork and workshops have provided me with essential skills required in a practical laboratory position, such as problem-solving, organisation and time management, communication both written and oral, maintaining of records and data and teamworking.