Trained in molecular biology at the University of Glasgow, Witte’s early work on protein–DNA interactions and enzyme engineering led to a PhD in biomedical engineering, where they developed microfluidics for cell-free systems. Their postdoctoral research focused on engineering cellular microenvironments. At the Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment (CeMi), they used microgel co-cultures of bacteria and stem cells for in vitro osteogenesis, later adapting this approach for cartilage engineering using patient-derived cells (‘Chondrobags’). At the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, they investigated stem cell ‘mechanical passports’ using viscoelastic biomaterials. Now a Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Strathclyde, Witte leads a group exploring emergent multicellular dynamics through microscale mechanics, with projects spanning organoid engineering, cell-based computation, and living materials. Their scientific work is informed by a parallel practice in fine art (Glasgow School of Art) and ongoing study in philosophy (University of Glasgow).
Postdoctoral Researchers
Adam is a physicist and mathematical biologist with expertise in chemotaxis, the movement of cells or organisms in response to chemical signals, in complex multi signal environments. His current work focuses on bioactive matter based computation.
PhD Researchers
I’m working towards the exploitation of nature-inspired acoustics, through surface acoustic waves, to manipulate the mechanisms of ageing within cells. I graduated in 2023 with a BEng in Mechanical engineering and then moved onto an MSc in Biomedical Engineering with Cell and Tissue Engineering to help steer me onto a path to pursue biogerontology. I have an ever-growing number of interests and hobbies, academic and not. In my master’s project covering the mechanical stimulation of confined stem cells, I explored topics in optics, regenerative medicine, electronics, cell culture, and more. Beyond academia, I spend my time playing the drums in a band, listening to and making my own music called chiptune, reading manga, and playing video, board, and tabletop games.
I’m working on building microfluidic co-cultured blood-brain barrier organoids. I graduated in 2024 with a BSc in Biotechnology (Applied Molecular Biology and Biobusiness) from the University of Aberdeen. Originally from Spain, I’m especially interested in stem cell culture, cell mechanics, and tissue engineering. Outside the lab, I enjoy science communication, thrillers, and travelling!
With a background in forensic science and biochemistry, I'm interested in specialised metabolites from microorganisms and how these can be utilised in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Currently, I am working on the development of a lichen-based biocoating, or ‘living paint’, for sustainable urban application, while also addressing the impacts of urbanisation on microbial communities. Outside of research, I love to be creative by drawing and painting, as well as spending time with my friends and my pets.
I'm working on a multidisciplinary project bringing together non-equilibrium thermodynamics, mechanobiology, and unconventional computing for cell-based computation. I'm a physicist by training, completing my Physics BSc Hons in 2023. I found the undergraduate curriculum to be lacking in biological context, which led me to do an MSc in Biomedical Engineering with Cell and Tissue Engineering in 2024. I discovered my love for the far-from-equilibrium and won an IPEM Best Masters Project Award for my work on Active Nematic in Biological Systems, exploring the liquid crystal physics of cell monolayers. Science occupies most of my thoughts outside of the lab, I particularly like thinking about how biology has harnessed emergent physics and its complex relationship with information and the environment. The book 'What is Life?' by Erwin Schrödinger fundamentally changed my outlook on the physics of life, while later work by Ilya Prigogine and Claude Shannon continue to inspire my approach to information and (bio)active matter. Outside of science, I spend a lot of time trying good food, keeping up to date with politics, maintaining my indoor jungle, and listening to 70s prog rock - sometimes all at once!
I am a multidisciplinary student with a broad range of interests, from embedded systems to regenerative medicine. My current research concentrates on developing reconfigurable acoustofluidic systems using innovative high-performance piezoelectric thin films. Outside of research, I enjoy tinkering with electronics, 3D design and printing, as well as brewing (and drinking!) beer.
With a background in maths, biomedical engineering, and advanced drug delivery, I’ve built practical experience across healthcare and industry, from working directly with patients in pharmacy dispensing to roles in GMP cleanrooms, cell culture production, microbiology testing, and high-throughput diagnostics. My current research focuses on organoid engineering, with the goal of building a more physiologically relevant in vitro model of the blood–brain barrier for future medical applications. Outside the lab, I’m usually exploring history, diving into quirky science, travelling, or playing open-world games.
I am looking into varying hierarchical responses within cells to different environments. I have a background in Human Physiology and Medical Science Research at the University of Aberdeen, and have a firm interest in the prosthetic - nerve interface, specifically when it comes to developing sensory prosthesis. I am hoping that by further understanding neuronal growth responses to their environment, more complex and safer treatment can be developed for those with loss of limb. When away from the University, I'm a keen photographer and amateur cook, you'll often find me listening to music or working in the garden.
Bachelor’s, Master’s (MRes & PGT), and Visitors
MRes Project
Visiting Scholar (2024 & 2025)
Alumni
From PGT to PhD with us
: )
UG Summer Intern from Florida International University
Flannigan
UG (Hons) Project
Research placement (1 year)
From PGT to PhD with us
: )
Marzban
Visiting Scholar, now PhD candidate at École des Mines de Saint-Étienne
UG (Hons) Project
UG (Hons) Project
UG (Hons) Project
McEvoy
PGT project, now PhD candidate at SIBPS & Fraunhofer IME
Jayakumar
PGT Project
From PGT to PhD with us
: )