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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences

Student Spotlight: Jessica Davidoff wins prize for innovative brain inflammation project

Jessica Davidoff, a final-year Pharmaceutical Chemistry student, has been awarded the Prize for Project Work in Physical/Theoretical Chemistry, which recognises the top third-year research project in the field at the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences.

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Jessica’s project explored how a potential new drug could help reduce brain inflammation, a key factor in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Her research focused on THIK-1, a protein channel found on microglia, the brain’s immune cells. Because this channel helps regulate inflammatory responses, scientists believe that targeting it could slow damage to nerve cells in neurodegenerative diseases.

Using advanced computer modelling techniques, Jessica studied how an experimental drug called CVN293 might interact with THIK-1. By simulating how the drug fits into the protein’s structure, she was able to identify likely binding sites and suggest how the drug might alter the channel’s behaviour.

Her results suggest the drug doesn’t block THIK-1 in just one way but may instead adapt its shape to subtly influence the channel's function, potentially reducing harmful immune activity in the brain.

Reflecting on her achievement and the support she has received, Jessica said:

“Throughout my project, my advisor Dr Wojciech Kopec was instrumental in guiding my development. He introduced me to the subject, pointed me to key resources, and consistently supported my research. Early on, I attended his MSc AI for Drug Discovery lectures and labs, which helped expand my software skills ahead of the investigation.

His passion for research was contagious and inspired my own interest in computational experimentation within pharmaceutical science. In my penultimate year at Queen Mary, I was introduced to molecular docking concepts and software tools in the Pharmaceutical Chemistry module, which laid the foundation for deeper exploration.

Queen Mary’s School of Physical and Chemical Sciences structured the year with well-spaced checkpoints that kept me on track, and assessments in various formats helped me strengthen not just academic writing, but also public speaking and creative skills. Presenting to lecturers and peers and designing a poster significantly boosted my confidence and communication.

I have since continued this research through a summer placement, working more closely with PhD students and taking a hands-on role. This has deepened my technical skills, given me a more structured approach to research, and taught me the value of collaboration. Working alongside Dr Kopec in a more focused setting has also improved my initiative and team communication.

This experience has confirmed my enthusiasm for innovative pharmaceutical development. Being at the frontier of discovery and contributing to meaningful breakthroughs excites me for the next steps in my career.”

 

 

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