Biography

Alexandra started her BSc in Chemistry and Mathematics at the University of St Andrews in 2019. During this time, she participated in several research projects, including an undergraduate research fellowship awarded by the Royal Astronomical Society and a RISE-sponsored exchange with the Inorganic Functional Materials group at Universität Paderborn. She undertook two distinct bachelor’s projects, specialising in the synthesis of peri-substituted bis(phosphines) and the mathematical modelling of a genetic oscillatory system involved in embryonic neurogenesis.

Alexandra remained at St Andrews to complete her master’s in chemistry, which she started in 2023. Her master’s research focused on the synthesis of various metal-organic frameworks for the controlled delivery of haematologic drugs, under the supervision of Prof. Russell Morris. Alexandra joined the Davies group in October 2024.

Research Interests

Alexandra’s research primarily focuses on the development of magnetic resonance-active silica nanoparticles for detection of small molecules. By immobilising gadolinium complexes within the pores of mesoporous silica, high relaxivities can be achieve and unique analyte interactions are facilitated.