Professional Experience
Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA
Working on the shikimate pathway and aromatic amino acid biosynthesis. Using an enzyme discovered in the Maeda lab that increases CO₂ fixation by up to 30%, and developing biochemical rerouting strategies to channel that extra carbon into high-value compounds such as pharmaceuticals and flavourings.
Co-Founder
Natural Red Pigments, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Driving the development of sustainable, plant-based colourants to replace synthetic dyes such as Red 40 (Allura Red AC). Focused on project management, business development, and customer discovery through the NSF I-Corps programme. Leading customer discovery to validate market demand and applications across food, beauty, and plant processing sectors. Building early business strategy, stakeholder relationships, and pilot pathways.
Retail Assistant
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK
Seasonal Christmas retail role at one of the world's most iconic botanical institutions. Combined a passion for plants with a love of the festive season — assisting visitors, sharing botanical knowledge, and contributing to the warmth and magic of the Kew Christmas experience.
Account Manager
Alpha Gamma Solutions, London, UK
Responsible for direct sales and marketing. Managed the planning and execution of marketing campaigns, as well as training the sales team. Organised nationwide business trips. Conducted interviews and represented the company at corporate events.
Entrepreneur in Residence
Rocket Internet SE, Shanghai, China
Joined a post-launch start-up that had hit a critical roadblock and was effectively restarting from zero. Within a month, was appointed Scrum Leader — recognised early for the ability to take on responsibility. Mentored directly by the founder, a prominent serial entrepreneur. Given full operational control of the company, managing five-figure investment budgets and all hiring decisions. Streamlined processes so effectively that the team of six was reduced to a single person supported by an outsourced team, without loss of output.
Science & Communication
Research Highlights Editor
Selecting and editing research highlights that showcase significant findings published in The Plant Journal, making cutting-edge plant science accessible and engaging to a broad scientific audience.
2026 Plantae Fellow
American Society of Plant Biologists
Contributing to the global plant science community through themed weekly content, monthly webinars, and collaborative science communication. Highlighting research, supporting early-career scientists, and helping make plant biology more accessible and engaging.
Conference Correspondent
American Society of Plant Biologists
Covered two annual Plant Biology conferences as official ASPB Correspondent — Savannah, Georgia (2023) and Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2025).
Teaching & Supervision
Informal Undergraduate Mentor
University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA
Provided day-to-day mentorship and lab guidance to undergraduate researchers in the Maeda Lab, including final-year student Brant Paulick. Supported practical training, troubleshooting, and scientific development in the lab.
MSc Supervisor
University of York, UK
Student: Oriana Serna
Supervised an MSc research project, providing training in protein purification, enzyme assays, and site-directed mutagenesis.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of York, UK
Supported undergraduate teaching in the Biology department throughout the PhD. Delivered lab sessions, assisted with tutorials, and provided guidance to students on practical and written work.
Other Work
Argentine Tango Teacher & Dancer
Various
Taught and performed across multiple cities and institutions over a decade. Warwick Argentine Tango Society (2014–2017); Coderbunker Co-working Space, Shanghai — self-run school (2017–2018); Oxford Tango Academy (2018–2020); Northern Tango Academy, York (2022–2023); Tango Club UW, Madison, WI (2025–present).
Online English Tutor
iTutor.com
Delivered one-to-one online English language lessons to students mainly from China, ranging from ages 4-16 years with some adult classes, adapting teaching style and materials to each learner's level and goals. Developed strong communication skills working across language and cultural barriers.
English / Chinese Translator
Heartbreak Theatre — International Arts Exchange, Wuxi, China
Live translator between the English acting team and Chinese technical crew for a 10-day tour of Romeo and Juliet at the International Shanghai Arts and Cultural Festival. Also translated the full script into Mandarin for the audience.
Customer Service Assistant
ASDA, Leamington Spa, UK
Part-time role during undergraduate studies. First point of contact for all customer enquiries, responsible for resolving complaints before escalation to management. Handled till balancing at close of business. Proactively cross-trained across multiple store departments to maximise flexibility and cover for colleagues.