Dr Adam Moolna (BSc, MSc, PhD)

Biography

Since October 2008 I have been working as a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Oxford (view my departmental profile). My research is on the evolution in marine algae of carbon concentrating mechanisms for photosynthesis and their effects on algal physiology. This is part of a biology focused interdisciplinary project based in the Department of Earth Sciences

My PhD research, at the University of Manchester, was on the molecular biology of plant photosynthesis (the capture of energy from sunlight by splitting water into protons, electrons and oxygen). Specifically, I studied the presence and function of different versions (isoforms) of the ferredoxin NADP⁺ oxidoreductase (FNR) enzyme that catalyses the final electron transfer step in photosynthesis.

My undergraduate studies were 2.1 BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences at the University of Durham - after which I won a graduate school scholarship for my MSc in nature Conservation from University College London.

Geography, nature and history have fascinated me all my life and my work and interests revolve around a mix of the three.

Curriculum vitae

Since 2008: Research Associate, Oxford University, Earth Sciences
- Experimental work investigating CO₂ use & climate change in chalk-forming marine algae

2005-2008: Freelance work, Science education projects for schools
- Hands-on science classes with plants & live animals for Rochdale Local Education Authority

2005-2008: PhD Plant Sciences, Manchester University (Plant Sciences)
- Molecular biology of photosynthesis; physiology & proteomics; completed within 3 years

2004-2005: Research Technician, Manchester University (Plant Sciences)
- Designing modified genes to identify signalling motifs for protein import into chloroplasts

2004-2004: Volunteer Science Officer, Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
- Established & published research on giant tortoise feeding links to native forest ecology

2003-2004: MSc Conservation, University College London
- Scholarship for academic excellence; thesis on Indian Ocean environmental management

2000-2003: BSc Natural Sciences (2.1), Durham University, University College
- 1st class thesis; organised college event security; scholarships for research visit to Seychelles

1999-2000: Wildlife Ranger, Seychelles Islands Foundation & Marine Parks Authority
- Giant tortoise breeding & conservation; reported in Geographical Magazine June 2000, p.82

1992-1999: Secondary education, Urmston Grammar School, Manchester
- 4A (A-Level) 6A* 3A (GCSE); wildlife volunteer, drama, competitive swimming for Old Trafford