Andrew James Charles Russell MBiochem (Oxon) AMRSB
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA
ar19@sanger.ac.uk | ar812@cam.ac.uk | andrew-russell@live.co.uk (personal)
Education and Qualifications
2016 - Present
Queens' College/Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, University of Cambridge - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
PhD in Biological Science
Awards:
Q550 Blues Bursary for participation in University-level sport
2012 - 2016
The Queen’s College, University of Oxford – Oxford, Oxfordshire
MBiochem in Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular)
Awards:
Benefactors' Prize on the basis of academic performance and contribution to College life.
Styring Exhibition (scholarship) in my third year for good academic performance.
Browne Exhibition (scholarship) in my fourth year for good academic performance.
2010 - 2012
Richard Hale School – Hertford, Hertfordshire
A2 Chemistry (A*), A2 Mathematics (A*), A2 Biology (A), AS Physics (A)
Awards:
Bennett Science Prize for obtaining the best science A-Level results in my school.
Research Experience
Jun 2017 - Present
PhD Project
Dr Thierry Voet, Dr Mara Lawniczak, & Dr Oliver Bilker
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Mar 2017 - Jun 2017
3rd Wellcome Trust PhD Rotation
Dr Oliver Bilker, Dr Mara Lawniczak, & Dr Thierry Voet
Jan 2017 - Mar 2017
2nd Wellcome Trust PhD Rotation
Dr Martin Hemberg & Dr Julian Rayner
Oct 2016 - Present
1st Wellcome Trust PhD Rotation
Dr Julian Rayner & Dr Thierry Voet
Sep 2015 - Mar 2016
Part II Research Project
Prof. Jane Mellor FRSB - University of Oxford Biochemistry Department
I worked to develop a novel CRISPRi system in S. cerevisiae which utilises click chemistry to probe the role of antisense transcription.
Jul 2015 - Sep 2015
The Genetics Society Summer Studentship
Prof. Julie Ahringer FMedSci - The Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge
“Determining the role of the chromosome remodelling protein Mi-2/LET-418 in the somatic suppression of germline gene expression in C. elegans”. During my project, I performed an RNAi screen on over 1000 transcription factors to look for genetic enhancers. The screen utilised a temperature sensitive let-418 mutant strain as the background. In addition I performed immunofluorescence experiments to determine the nature of the identified genetic interactions. My studentship allowed me to present my work at the Genetics Society Genes and Development Workshop at Edinburgh University. I also presented my research at the Oxford University Undergraduate Research Seminar.
Jul 2014 - Sep 2014
British Society for Cell Biology Summer Vacation Studentship
Dr Chris Bakal - The Institute of Cancer Research
“Using quantitative image analysis to determine the contribution of MyoGEF to spindle assembly”. I was awarded an ICR summer vacation scholarship initially to perform my work but I was later awarded a BSCB summer vacation studentship, which I accepted instead. This project allowed me to develop my laboratory technique by using techniques such as qPCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy on mammalian cell lines.
Nov 2013 - Nov 2014
Founding Member and Biochemist of the Oxford University iGEM Team
Prof. Julie Armitage FRS/ Dr George Wadhams – University of Oxford
“DCMation: Bioremediation of dichloromethane in E. coli”. I was a founding member of the first Oxford University iGEM team. During my time on the team, I helped to secure funding from the BBSRC, The Wellcome trust, The Biochemical Society and The Society for General Microbiology. In the laboratory, I developed bacterial culture techniques and basic techniques such as PCR, western blotting and Gibson assembly. The project culminated with a conference in Boston, MA in October where we won a gold medal for our work. Additionally, my involvement in the team led me to present an intellectual property workshop at the YSB 2.0 conference at the Wellcome Trust in London.
Jul 2013 - Sep 2013
Biochemical Society Summer Vacation Research Studentship
Dr Chris Bakal - The Institute of Cancer Research
“Determining the role of the SLK and LOK kinases in melanoma cell migration and invasion using quantitative 3D live-cell imaging”. This experience allowed me to develop my skills in independent laboratory practice, scientific writing and data handling. I developed some basic laboratory skills such as working with human cell lines as well as immunofluorescence microscopy and the SILAC technique. I was additionally invited to give a presentation on my project at the University of Oxford and I presented my work frequently whilst at the ICR.
Awards
2017 - Applications of In Situ Hybridisation in Research and Disease Graduate Student Bursary (£200)
2016 - Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute 4-year PhD Programme (£119,260)
2015 - Genetics Society Summer Studentship (£2100)
2014 - iGEM Foundation Gold Medal Award
2014 - BBSRC, the Society for General Microbiology, The Wellcome Trust and the Biochemical Society iGEM Stipend Award (£9000)
2014 - British Society for Cell Biology Summer Studentship (£1440)
2014 - Institute of Cancer Research Undergraduate Vacation Scholarship (Not accepted due to BSCB studentship)
2014 - Winner of the Biochemical Society’s Voice of The Future 2014 competition organised by The House of Commons’ Science and Technology Committee
2013, 2014 - 650th Anniversary Trust Fund Award from The Queen’s College, Oxford (£200)(£500)
2013 - Biochemical Society Summer Vacation Studentship (£1600)
2012 - Royal Society of Chemistry 44th International Chemistry Olympiad Gold Certificate
Positions of Responsibility
2017 - Sanger Prize Fund Graduate Panel
2015/16 - President – The Queen’s College Junior Common Room
Captain (2013/14), Social Secretary (2014/15) & President (2015/16) – The Queen’s College Association Football Club
2014/15/16 - Captain – The Queen’s College Road Cycling Club
2013/14 - Ethics and Environment Officer & subsequently Entertainment Representative - The Queen’s College Junior Common Room
2013/14 - President - The 1341 Society
2012/13 - First Year Representative - The Oxford University Biochemistry Department Advanced 2010-2012 - Sales Advisor - Topshop
2012 - Swimming Teaching Assistant - Amwell View School
Professional Affiliations
2012 - Present - Undergraduate Member of The Biochemical Society
2014 - Present - Associate Member of The Royal Society of Biology
2015 - Present - Undergraduate Member of The Genetics Society
2015 - Present - Campaign for Science and Engineering Member
Hobbies & Interests
Outside work, I have represented my University in triathlon and participated weekly in college football having served on the committee for three years. I was an active member of my college community as demonstrated by my positions of responsibility.