Dr Kara van Aelst
M.Sc.(Amst.), PhD(Bristol)
Current positions
Senior Lecturer
School of Biochemistry
Contact
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Biography
I graduated from the University of Amsterdam with a MSc in Biomedical Sciences before moving to the University of Bristol complete my PhD with Professor Mark Szczelkun.
During my PhD and Research Associate posts I studied the mechanistics of DNA recognition and cleavage by the prokaryotic immunity systems Restriction-Modification and CRISPR.
Since January 2018 I focus on teaching. Firstly as a Senior Teaching Associate, in which role I was responsible for the delivery of the practical part of the University Award for Education winning MSci Research Training Unit. In September 2018 I was appointed as a Lecturer.
Publications
Recent publications
04/06/20205′ modifications to CRISPR Cas9 gRNA can change the dynamics and size of R-loops and inhibit DNA cleavage
Nucleic Acids Research
A course-based undergraduate research experience for Year 3 biochemistry students at the University of Bristol – implementation and evaluation
The Effect of DNA Topology on Observed Rates of R-Loop Formation and DNA Strand Cleavage by CRISPR Cas12a
Genes
Structural insights into DNA sequence recognition by Type ISP restriction-modification enzymes
Nucleic Acids Research
Mapping DNA cleavage by the Type ISP restriction-modification enzymes following long-range communication between DNA sites in different orientations
Nucleic Acids Research
Teaching
I teach on various units in the Biochemistry programme, as well as in the veterinary sciences and medicine programme (see below). Additionally, I design, organise and deliver practicals for the Biomedical Sciences Summer School and outreach events.
I am the chair of the SSLC committee in Biochemistry, which meets regularly throughout the year with student representatives.
Teaching:
Biochemistry: Cellular Composition
Recombinant DNA Technology
Gene Expression and Rearrangement
Research Training Unit
Medicine: Case Based Learning facilitation
Veterinary Sciences: Animal Health Science
Related people
Professor Mark Szczelkun
Professor of Biochemistry
School of Biochemistry
Dr Alice Robson
Associate Professor in Biochemistry Education
School of Biochemistry
Professor Mark Dillingham
Professor of Biochemistry
School of Biochemistry
Dr Stephen Cross
Research Associate (in Microscopy Image Processing and Analysis)
Life Sciences Faculty Office