Jess’ interest in sustainability and protecting the environment lead them to a PHD with Unilever

For this PHD, Jess Tallis is investigating Optimisation of glycosylated triterpenoid production in S. cerevisiae, with Unilever. Jess tells us about their passion for teaching and how the outcomes from this PhD have the potential to extend into other areas including vaccine production, cancer therapeutics and treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.

Why did you decide to undertake this project?

I am passionate about sustainability and protecting the environment, so a project in producing plant products in yeast as a renewable biosurfactant instead of conventionally relying on long chain hydrocarbons from oil was very enticing to me. The opportunity to collaborate with Unilever to aid in reducing their carbon footprint whilst doing my PhD has served as an immense source of motivation throughout my research.

What are your ambitions for the future?

During my PhD, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and master’s student, an experience that has been extremely rewarding. As well as, this I volunteered with Leaders in Science, an outreach programme designed to engage young people with science. These experiences have instilled a genuine passion for teaching and wish to continue this in the future whilst also pursuing a career in research within the sustainability sector.

What excites you about your research?

The ability to modify and engineer yeast to synthesise such a wide range of compounds that can be applied across various industries. Triterpenoids, in particular, possess extensive utility and have applications in diverse sectors. In my case they are needed as bio-surfactants. However, their potential extends beyond this, they can serve as valuable components in vaccine adjuvants, anti-inflammatory agents, cancer therapeutics, treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, as well as bio-based emulsifiers and foam stabilisers!

Where/what do you think the next innovation in IB will be? 

Industrial biotechnology has an immense potential for transformative technologies. I hope that as a community we are able to advance the production of biologics, high-value chemicals and bio-fuels in microorganisms. I anticipate that the use of microbes to improve waste treatment, bio-remediation and sustainable farming takes off in the near future.

What is an interesting fact about you / what do you enjoy doing away from your studies?

An interesting fact about me is that I have a pet snake who I adore (I will shower you with pictures if you ask). In my free time I am often found outdoors gardening, or doing crafts such as crochet, cross stitch and painting. I’m also a huge nerd and love for all things sci-fi and fantasy as an avid Dungeons and Dragons and Magic the Gathering player. If you like orcs, I’m your guy.