Kimran Hayer - BSc (Hons) Biology
Without the degree in Biology and the skills I have developed as a person along the way, I don't think I would have predicted a couple of years ago that this is what I'd be doing.
”She is now studying for a PhD in Microbiology to improve the biofuels of tomorrow. She graduated with 1st class honours and also won the Institute of Biology Award for the best student performance.
Kimran secured her four-year PhD project at Nottingham shortly after completing her degree course in the summer and her final dissertation was entitled: 'The effect of ultrasound exposure on the ability of E.coli to take up DNA.'
The 22-year-old, from Littleover, Derby, has joined a team of 30 scientists in the Bioenergy Group looking at how to improve biofuels for future use.
Based in the School of Biology, at University Park, Nottingham, Kimran's research work is focused at the start of the biofuels process, looking at how to convert biomass into biofuel.
Kimran said: "The first step in the conversion process is to break down the plant cell wall. My research work is looking at trying to find the optimum method to break it down most effectively."
If successful, Kimran could have helped identify a way to improve the process to produce the sugars for ethanol production. Her research is also looking at growing the organism in different carbon substrates.
It is significant work and potentially lucrative, as scientists across the globe are in hot pursuit of 'super enzymes' to help improve the process of making biofuels.
It is hoped that such enzymes can help disassemble the tight matrix of compounds such as cellulose and xylan in the cell walls of plants, thus, boosting the cost effectiveness of making cellulosic ethanol.
