Natasha Cooke

Thesis Title: Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms that Govern Histone and Histone Post-Translational Modification Transfer at the DNA Replication Fork

Franklin Supervisors: Professor Ben Davis and Dr Adeline Poh

University: University of Oxford

University Supervisors: Professor Daniel Anthony

Natasha is using light-activated chemistries in combination with time-resolved cryo-EM to elucidate how specific histone post-translational modification affect nucleosome structure and dynamics.

Natasha graduated with an Integrated Master’s in Biochemistry from the University of St Andrews. During her studies, she completed a placement year at Sosei Heptares in the Structural Biology Department, where she contributed to the structural elucidation of a G-protein coupled receptor using cryo-electron microscopy. For her Master’s project, she focussed on characterising protein-protein interactions through X-ray crystallography and biophysical techniques. Natasha is eager to build on her structural biology knowledge by exploring the different themes at the Franklin and applying these approaches to address key biological challenges.