More than a PhD: joint funding supports bright futures

Growing up in Manchester, Mariyah Sajjad developed a strong fascination with Chemistry, sparked by early work experience in a pharmacy where she became curious about how medicinal drugs work. Now a final-year PhD student in the School of Chemistry’s Campopiano research group, she is contributing to the development of sustainable routes for the production of valuable chemicals, whilst becoming a published author and inspiring future researchers. As she nears the end of her research, we asked Mariyah to share reflections on her PhD experience at Edinburgh and what she plans to do next.

A breakthrough for sustainable chemical production

I joined the Campopiano research group at Edinburgh in 2021, drawn by the lab’s focus on biocatalysis and the University’s interdisciplinary research environment. Although I was new to biocatalysis, I was eager to learn both experimental and analytical techniques, from protein expression and biocatalyst handling to purification.

In my first year with the Campopiano group, I expanded on a previous project that coupled a thermophilic α-oxoamine synthase (ThAOS) enzyme with a Knorr pyrrole reaction (KPR) to produce substituted pyrroles. As a result of this work, I was listed as a co-author in an American Chemical Society publication, “Versatile chemo-biocatalytic cascade driven by a thermophilic & irreversible C-C bond-forming α-oxoamine synthase” (ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, May 2023). This research opened doors to further innovation, where I focused on building a cascade by coupling ThAOS with other biocatalysts such as transaminases (TA) and alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH). These cascades produce amino alcohols—key intermediates for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Mariyah Sajjad in the lab — Final-year PhD student Mariyah Sajjad

In 2023/24, I supervised a current student working on the ThAOS/ADH pathway, and together we successfully screened a commercial library of ADHs, identifying five that efficiently converted our aminoketone substrate to the desired amino alcohol. I presented this work as a poster at an international conference in Vienna in April 2024, marking a rewarding moment in sharing our findings.

International ties for future innovation

In parallel, I also investigated the unexpected promiscuity of TA biocatalysts after discovering a novel PLP cofactor-derived purple quinonoid species. This species opened a new avenue of research where we explored its reactivity with electrophiles and nucleophiles. Excitingly, I identified a unique product formed by the reaction of this quinonoid species with nitromethane, which could potentially represent the first example of a TA biocatalyst catalysing C-C bond formation. Presenting these findings at the Joseph Black conference in June 2024 was a highlight, and this work has since led to a collaboration with Professor Yang Yang (University of California, Santa Barbara) to explore photo redox biocatalysis with our quinonoid intermediate—a thrilling development for future research.

This PhD has provided me with a well-rounded skill set in addition to analytical techniques like preparative HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, and UV-vis spectroscopy; I developed robust data analysis skills and problem-solving skills through interpreting complex experimental data.

Training the next generation of researchers

In addition to my core projects, I had the opportunity to supervise four undergraduates in a 10-week laboratory course. This project led to novel data, which we published in Faraday Discussions on Biocatalysis in March 2024 as part of the paper “Developing deprotectase biocatalysts for synthesis.” This experience was particularly fulfilling, as I witnessed students growing into confident researchers. I was especially pleased that one of these students returned in 2024 to start his PhD with the Campopiano group.

Looking ahead: after the PhD

After graduating, I plan to leverage the analytical and problem-solving skills developed during my PhD to build a career in data analysis. Over the course of my research, I taught myself R and Python, and this summer, I furthered my interest in tech by participating in HSBC’s Women in Technology insight programme. I’m currently applying to graduate programmes within the financial sector, where I’m excited to bring together my technical expertise and analytical mindset to tackle complex data-driven challenges and contribute to strategic decision-making.

PhD student Mariyah Sajjad at the KB campus — Mariyah at the King's Buildings campus

Now, as I write my thesis and wrap up final experiments, I reflect on my time with immense gratitude. The Campopiano group has been a collaborative and supportive environment that’s encouraged creativity and exploration. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and I look forward to applying these skills as I move forward.

Invaluable support

Mariyah’s research is funded 50:50 by the School of Chemistry and the Derek Stewart Charitable Trust. The Trust has been supporting PhD students in the Campopiano research group since 2008, and they have enriched the University community through their work in public engagement, student development and establishing new international research ties over the last 17 years.

As the current funding recipient, Mariyah shared what it has meant to her to receive this support.

Receiving the DSCT funding, along with support from the School of Chemistry at Edinburgh, has been essential for my studies and career. Without this funding, I wouldn’t be a published author or close to achieving my doctorate. It allowed me to attend international conferences, where I connected with scientists from various fields, and to build my lab skills. By building on my strong academic background, my PhD has allowed me to grow in confidence, polish my public speaking and to trust my highly honed scientific analysis. It also gave me the chance to develop leadership and organisational skills by mentoring students in our lab. I’m immensely thankful for this support, which has opened valuable opportunities and had a lasting impact on my career path.

I am very pleased to have this opportunity to acknowledge the long-term support from the Trust. Their commitment to funding PhD student-driven research in bio-organic chemistry has led to many scientific breakthroughs. The PhD students help train the next generation of undergraduates and have gone on to excellent careers as medical writers, research scientists and teachers.