Hello! My name is Caroline, I live in York, UK, and over the last couple of years have discovered the exciting world of diatoms!

After studying biochemistry as an undergraduate degree at Newcastle University, I moved to York (Mackinder lab) to pursue a research masters in the field of algal pyrenoids. Located in the chloroplast, pyrenoids are part of the algal carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM), ensuring efficient photosynthesis.

My research area focused on pyrenoid proteins in the model diatom T. pseudonana, using bioinformatic methods to model structure. My project developed to focus on the phylogeny of these proteins, and their diversity amongst widespread algal lineages (including diatoms).

In 2023 I took this research to the IDSR26 symposium in Yamagata, Japan. At this meeting I discovered the wonder of diatoms themselves, not just their molecular systems. I am excited to be part of young ISDR and learn more about the depth and breadth of diatoms and the people that study them!

In my spare time I enjoy singing, appreciating the nature of my local parks and being involved with my local church family.