Dr. Alexandra Porter

Biography

Alexandra's group uses correlative electron microscopy techniques to characterize interfaces between biomaterials and cells. She has a great interest in developing a mechanistic understanding of the chemistry of materials that control degradation behavior, ultimately improving bioactivity, performance, and safety. Her interest stemmed from her PhD research focused on understanding the mechanisms by which silicon increases the quality of bone hydroxyapatite implants used clinically in bone grafts. Alexandra works on the impact of air pollution on human health and the fundamental mechanisms of bone mineralization. She designs new nanomaterials to treat tuberculosis and breast cancers, collaborating with institutions such as the National Heart and Lung Institute, the Institute of Cancer Research, and the Crick and Rosalind Franklin Institutes. Alexandra holds an MEng from Oxford University and a PhD from Cambridge University in Biomedical Materials. She has worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the MIT Nanoscience Centre, under the guidance of Sir Mark Welland and Professor Paul Midgley. Additionally, she has held the Oppenheimer Research Fellowship in physical sciences at Cambridge University and a Junior Research Fellowship at Newhall College, Cambridge. She is also the REF lead in the Department of Materials, Faculty of Engineering, and head of the Nanomedicine course, as well as Senior Tutor for the MSc in Advanced Materials for nine years.

Research Interests