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Research and rescue
IRL opened its arms to the University of Canterbury’s chemistry department in its time of need, providing vital support to three PhD students whose research activities were adversely affected by the February 22 earthquake.
In a demonstration of its active and supportive relationship with the University of Canterbury, IRL made space and support available to chemistry PhD students Sarah Wilson-Coutts, Sebastian Reichau, and Evan Nimmo, enabling them to continue their doctoral research while their labs were assessed for damage.
As a result of the University of Canterbury’s thorough five-stage building assessment process following the earthquake, further work was identified as necessary before students and staff could have unrestricted access to certain buildings on campus, which house some specialist equipment.
IRL’s support and facilities enabled Sebastian Reichau to continue research into an enzyme from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bug which causes tuberculosis. “I use organic synthesis to make inhibitors for this enzyme which could be used as urgently needed new anti-tuberculosis drugs,” he says.
Sarah Wilson-Coutts’ research related to designing and producing enzymes which could be used to provide a competitive advantage in an industrial process, while Evan Nimmo’s PhD involved the assembly of discrete, homogenous glycoproteins – molecules that play an important role in cell interactions. Naturally glycoproteins occur as complex mixtures.
After a couple of months at IRL, access to their labs in Christchurch was restored, and the students were able to return.
“I am very grateful for all the support I and my fellow students have received from IRL,” says Reichau. “As well as giving me access to essential lab resources, my stay here has broadened my view on chemistry and my research project. It was a very valuable experience.”
IRL is committed to supporting New Zealand industry and science education, says Dr Richard Furneaux, who heads IRL’s world-leading Carbohydrate Chemistry team.
“Hosting these students provided substantial support to the University of Canterbury and three individual students during their time of need, and has also been a great way to increase science cooperation between our two institutions," he says.
Release Date:
27 June, 2011