People
Clarissa Melo Czekster
I earned my PhD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2008-2012), studying mechanisms of enzymes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and completed postdoctoral training at Yale University (2012-2014) and at the University of St Andrews. In 2018, I established my independent research group with a Wellcome trust Sir Henry Dale fellowship. I am currently a Reader in the School of Biology at the University of St Andrews, where I lead interdisciplinary research in enzymology, structural biology, microbiology and chemical biology. Our research focuses on developing novel antimicrobial and antibiofilm compounds, engineering microbial natural product biosynthesis for biocatalysis, and applying enzyme engineering to produce novel molecules. Additional areas include the synthesis of unprecedented and isotopically labelled nucleosides and nucleotides, as well as peptide-based antimicrobials. We have established technologies enabling the production of antibiofilm peptides and nucleotides from simple, inexpensive precursors in a single step.
Outside science I like to run and spend time with my family. I am a master at random arts and crafts and love to cook even though it doesn’t always turn out great.
Peijun (Gary) Tang – Research Associate (Biocatalysis)
I am from Shanghai China, where I attended a cooperation program between Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and London Metropolitan University, obtaining a BSc in Pharmacy and Herbal Medicinal Science (2011-2015). Then I completed my MSc in Pharmaceutical Science & Medicinal Chemistry at Loughborough University (2015 – 2016). Then, I moved to Edinburgh, where I started my PhD with Prof. Campopiano’s group (2016 – 2020) funded by Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship focusing on the ‘Exploring the structure and function of key enzymes involved in microbial sphingolipid biosynthesis’. Based on the interest on enzymology, I started my first job in the Dr. Clarissa M Czekster lab in the University of St. Andrews from 2021.
Qingtian Gong – PhD candidate (2023 – 2026)
I am from Beijing, China. I did my bachelor in Sichuan University, followed by a one-year practice in a biocatalysis lab with the focus of organic synthesis and aggregation induced emission. After the pandemic outbreak, I moved to Uppsala for my master’s program in chemical biology and did my master’s thesis in Ridgeview Instruments AB in Uppsala to develop a magnetic bead-based assay to evaluate protein-protein interaction and kinetics. Then, I worked in the company for eight months to continue the project and carry out a cell-based assay development. In 2023, I moved to St. Andrews and started my PhD project to explore the mechanism of biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa under the supervision of Dr. Clarissa M. Czekster.
Ghazal Sharifian – PhD candidate (2026 – 2030)
Ghazal (Gazelle) is a PhD student in the Czekster Lab. She earned her degree in Pharmacy from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where exposure to different research labs sparked her interest in enzyme function and catalytic mechanisms. In the Czekster Lab, she investigates the catalytic mechanisms of metalloproteases from Staphylococcus aureus, enzymes that play important roles in bacterial virulence. Her research focuses on understanding their substrate specificity and modes of inhibition using biochemical and structural approaches. Outside the lab, she enjoys calisthenics training and exploring new running routes.
Carlin Hamill – postdoctoral researcher (2024 – 2027)
Nutsinee Young – MSc(Res) (2026)
I am currently studying MSc(Res) in the CMC group at the University of St Andrews, focusing on the development of C‑nucleoside analogues with anticancer potential. Originally from Thailand, I previously worked as cabin crew for four international airlines before settling in Dundee with my family. I hold a First‑Class Honours degree in Biomedical Science from Abertay University. Outside of research, I enjoy baking, gardening, and hiking.
Fun times in the lab, I am very bad at taking pictures but some below:
Lab alumni
PhD
- Ngoc Anh Thu Trinh (PhD, 2026) https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinhnathu/
- Charlene Ogilvie (PhD, 2024) – Research Fellow at University of St Andrews
- Martha Simson (PhD, 2024) – Analytical Development Scientist at Enara bio
- Emmajay Sutherland (PhD, 2023) – Washington Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Washington
Msc(Res)
- Tancrede Du Monceau De Bergendal (2026) – Co-Founder of Mercury Capital Management
- William Dukes (2026)
- Ben Bruce (2025) – Research assistant at the University of St Andrews
- Lyssa Young (2021) – Medical Writer at AMICULUM https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyssa-gold-1bb059215/
Postdoc and other researchers
- Christopher Harding (2018 – 2024, PDRA) – Lecturer at University of Liverpool https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-harding-053383318/
- Erin Laing – NHS Biomedical Support Worker https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-laing-15873a233/
- Alison Dickson – Scientist | Preclinical and Clinical Development https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-dickson-61820a68/
Visiting scientists
- Mobina Shoaei Poshteh (ERASMUS visiting scholar – University of Bonn)
- Rosalind Van Der Does De Willebois – PhD candidate, chemistry St Andrew https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalind-van-der-does-de-willebois-375665300/
- Saúl Hernández – Research PhD Candidate in Tecnológico de Monterrey https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulhernandezma/
- Lynette Alvarado Ramírez – Research PhD Candidate in Tecnológico de Monterrey https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynette-alvarado-ram%C3%ADrez-a0060a94/
Undergraduate – final year project students and Integrated MSc students
- Tarlan Abdulgafarov (2025/26)
- Mariia Shishkova (2025/26)
- Maya Tobback (2025/26)
- Dillon Bricknal (2024/25)
- Joanna Magnuson (2024/25)
- Andrew Linz (2024/25), then as researcher summer 2025