We are pleased to welcome Dr. Lucas Black to the Unit as our new Imaging Research Scientist.
Lucas graduated from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, with a B.Sc. in Marine Biotechnology. Before starting his PhD, Lucas worked as a research technician at the University of Edinburgh, using fluorescent probes to quantify gene expression in response to growth rates. In 2007, Lucas started his PhD with Dr. Rosalind Allen at the University of Edinburgh, carrying out research into the pressure adaptation of deep-sea bacteria; this work involved the construction and testing of high-pressure microscopy equipment.
In 2010, following on from his PhD, Lucas moved to Montpellier, France, to use quantitative microscopy techniques (FCS, FCCS and RICS) to directly measure the gene response of bacteria to changes in environmental conditions. In a second international move, Lucas returned to the country of his birth, South Africa, to take up the Lead PostDoc position on an international project to isolate and identify novel bioactive drug-candidate molecules.
Lucas will be working closely with members of the Bolam Group and Magill Group, as well as providing imaging support for other Unit programmes.