Postdoctoral Researchers
Nur Kocaturk
I am originally from Çeşme, Turkey. I studied in Istanbul for my BSc and PhD. I have always been interested in how cells maintain homeostasis in response to various conditions. Therefore, during my PhD my main focus was to understand cross-link between UPS and autophagy during mitochondrial removal. After obtaining my degree, for my postdoctoral research I moved to Germany. At University of Cologne (CMMC), I worked on ERAD and its translational link to neurodevelopmental disorders in primary patient-derived cells. In 2021, I joined Professor Gopal Sapkota’s lab in the MRC PPU at the University of Dundee as a postdoctoral researcher to work on identification of new E3 ligases and DUBs regulating alpha-synuclein stability, which was also co-supervised by Prof Ian Ganley. I joined the CeTPD in July 2023 as a postdoctoral researcher in Farnaby group where I will extend my research on discovery of novel degraders for Central Nervous System focused diseases. Outside of the lab, I try to stay active as much as possible. I love experimenting in the kitchen, travelling, water sports and crafting – lately into ceramic.
Matylda Izert-Nowakowska
I originally come from Poland where I studied biotechnology and chemistry at the University of Warsaw. My PhD research was focused on creating a new plasmid-based system for inducing selective protein degradation in Gram-negative bacteria using degrader-like peptides. During my PhD, I developed skills indifferent techniques in molecular and structural biology, and biophysics. I also contributed to developing methods for selective bacterial RNA enrichment for diagnostics and research applications. I moved to Dundee and joined the Farnaby Group in January 2024 as a postdoctoral scientist to work with mitophagy-regulating molecules. Combining cell biology with biophysics I hope to contribute to the advancement in understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Outside the lab, I enjoy practicing yoga, travelling, and spending time outdoors exploring nature.
Zher Yin Tan
Zher Yin is originally from Penang, Malaysia. He obtained his B.Sc(Hons) in chemistry at the National University of Singapore, where he worked on developing transition metal-catalysed reactions to construct novel heterocycles under the supervision of Prof. Yu Zhao. After a few years in the paints and coatings industry, he pursued a PhD in Chemistry at Harvard University under the co-supervision of Prof. Ramnik Xavier and Prof. Stuart Schreiber, where he worked on developing novel modulators of autophagy using new chemical biology techniques like DNA-encoded libraries and phenotypic screens. He joined the Farnaby group at the CeTPD in 2025 as part of the LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE) team funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation, where he works on discovering small molecules to degrade or inhibit of LRRK2 to tackle Parkinson’s Disease. In his free time, he enjoys playing badminton and listening to music.
PhD Students
Andreas Holmqvist
Andreas joined the Farnaby group as a PhD student in medicinal chemistry in September 2022. In his PhD, he will work on the development of blood-brain barrier permeable degraders to rescue neurons in neurodegenerative diseases. Andreas completed his master’s in organic and medicinal chemistry at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden spring 2022. During his master’s, Andreas worked on his personally designed master’s project developing PROTACs for the proteasome’s regulatory subunit, RPN11, to induce proteotoxic stress in multiple myeloma cells. In this project, he learned that stepping out of the comfort zone is one of the most rewarding feats in science since the reward supersedes the challenge by far. To further explore his interest in Andreas in TPD and chemically induced proximity, Andreas decided to apply for a PhD position at the new Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation in the Farnaby group. Andreas is a very social and easy-going person who loves spending time at the gym and being with the CeTPD family as well as his own family.
Adam Pinto
Adam, originally from Hertfordshire, completed his MChem in 2022 at the University of Oxford. His Part II (master’s) project was on the design and synthesis of aryl hydrocarbon receptor degraders as utrophin modulators for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, supervised by Professor Angela Russell. In August 2022 Adam joined the Ciulli group at the Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation as an Associate Scientist in Medicinal and Organic Chemistry, within the Boehringer Ingelheim collaboration team. He remains at the CeTPD for his PhD, developing electrophilic kinase-targeted molecular glues in the Farnaby group. Outside of the lab, Adam enjoys travelling, watching the F1 and live music.
Hannah Mortlock
Hannah is from Dumfries, in southwest Scotland and completed her MChem in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at the University of St Andrews. Her Master’s project, supervised by Professor Andy Smith, investigated isothiourea catalysis for asymmetric synthesis. As part of her degree, she completed a year in industry working for Sygnature Discovery in Nottingham, a drug discovery CRO. While there, she worked on the development of high-throughput chemistry methods to create libraries of PROTACs for cancer therapies. This sparked an interest in targeted protein degradation, and induced proximity to develop disease treatments. She now is undertaking a PhD with the Farnaby Group. Away from the lab, Hannah enjoys being outside climbing hills.
Yuting Zhi
Yuting, originally from China, joined the Farnaby group as a PhD student in October 2025. In her PhD, she will focus on bifunctional molecules for CNS diseases. During her master’s studies, she conducted a research project under the supervision of Professor David Selwood, working on the design of small molecules targeting the Neuropilin-1 receptor, aiming to develop a reversible, Lysine-targeted covalent inhibitor to treat cancer pain. It was during this time that Yuting first discovered her passion for drug discovery research. To further develop her scientific skills and explore academic research, Yuting continued working in Selwood’s lab as a research assistant, where she investigated PROTACs. These experiences strengthened her motivation to pursue a PhD and ultimately led her to join the Farnaby Group at the CeTPD to advance her ambitions in drug discovery. Outside the lab, Yuting enjoys going to the gym, cycling, and baking.
Cormac Maguire
Cormac is from Monaghan, Ireland and studied Biomedical Science (Pharmacology) at the University of Galway for his undergraduate degree. He will be starting his PhD within the Farnaby group on a project entitled: ‘Investigating efflux transporter liabilities of Targeted Protein Degraders’. He is an Olympic weightlifting enthusiast.
KTP Associates
Matt Parkin
I am originally from Newcastle but did my MChem at the University of York. My master’s project, supervised by Prof. Peter O’Brien was developing a method for the use of sp2-sp3 Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling within the context of 3D directed fragment-based drug discovery. In September 2023, I started working for Natara Global for a year as an R&D chemist, researching synthetic routes to flavour and fragrance compounds before moving to Glasgow. As a KTP associate, my role is a collaboration between the Farnaby group / CeTPD and Bioascent in Glasgow with my time split between the two. My project aims to develop methods for synthesising PROTAC libraries using high throughput experimentation techniques which can be used in industrial settings. Outside the lab I enjoy going to the gym, running, martial arts and watching football, especially NUFC!
Undergraduate Students
Lewis Burns
I am from Dundee and I study Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery at the University. In my spare time I am a football referee, so during the weekend you can find me at a semi professional football ground around Scotland.
Izzy Guy
I’m originally from Northumberland and I’m currently in my fourth year of a Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery degree at the University of Dundee. I’m undertaking my honours project in the Farnaby group, working alongside Adam Pinto. Outside of the lab, I help organise student events through the Life Science Society, and I enjoy good food, travelling, and spending time with friends.