Jack Nicholls

Background

About Jack Nicholls

A Queen's Doctoral Training Program PhD Student passionate about a wide range of sciences and the natural world. In particular, I am interested in the molecular mechanisms that underpin the survival of some of the most extremophilic microorganisms. My PhD focuses on phosphorus metabolism within the archaea, a unique group of extremophilic organisms that live in environments analogous to the early earth. I will be investigating these novel metabolic networks within archaea via bioinformatics, biochemistry and molecular biology techniques. The work aims to inform our understanding of the origins of life and energy metabolism, the requirements and habitats of potential extraterrestrial life and environmental cycling of phosphorus on earth today.Through my masters and undergraduate studies I have begun to develop the resilience, critical thinking and interpersonal skills required to pursue an academic career. Through the Queen's DTP, I hope to continue furthering my passion for molecular microbiology and developing the key communication and research skills required of a future scientist.