Paul J. Hurd
GROUP LEADER
READER IN GENOME REGULATION & EPIGENETICS
Paul earned his BSc in Biochemistry at the University of Sheffield, then stayed on for his PhD under the supervision of David Hornby, where he characterised how novel nucleotide analogues inhibit DNA (cytosine-5) methyltransferases. He completed his postdoctoral studies in the laboratory of Sir Tony Kouzarides FRS at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, elucidating how DNA methylation shapes chromatin dynamics through histone post-translational modifications.
Currently, Paul is Principal Investigator and Reader in Genome Regulation & Epigenetics in the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at Queen Mary University of London. Paul also serves on the Editorial Board of Epigenomes and is Editor-in-Chief of Briefings in Functional Genomics (Oxford University Press).
Nancy Ellis
Nancy joined the Hurd lab in 2018 for her PhD after completing the integrated masters programme at University College London in Biological Sciences (cell specialism). Nancy is interested in how nutrition drives phenotypic plasticity through epigenetic mechanisms as well as developing bees as a model for studying these phenomena. Nancy’s PhD research looked at the epigenetics of caste determination and queen life stage transitions in bumble bees. In 2022, Nancy started her post-doc research in the Hurd lab using a multi-omic approach incorporating transcriptomics, metabolomics and epigenetic profiling with 3D genome architecture to determine the molecular mechanisms driving phenotypic plasticity between queen and worker honey bees throughout larval development. Outside of work, you’ll find Nancy at Pilates, trying the latest wellness trend or listening to a podcast.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Zoë O’Neill
Zoë holds a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Exeter and an MSc in Cancer, Molecular Pathology and Genomics from Barts Cancer Institute, QMUL. As part of her MSc research she investigated the transcriptomic changes underlying the progression to dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus. She subsequently worked as a Scientific Officer in a COVID-19 diagnostics laboratory, gaining experience in molecular diagnostics. Zoë joined the Hurd Lab as a PhD student in April 2022 researching the epigenetic regulation of development in honey bee larvae, particularly the chromatin dynamics through drone development. Her interests include the application of molecular and genomic approaches to understand developmental and physiological processes across animal systems. Outside of science she enjoys a good book, preferably alongside a good beer.
PhD STUDENT
Nicole Forrester
Nicole completed a BSc at Brunel University London, which included a placement year (transcriptomics and automation) at the Earlham Institute. Her interests in omics and Next-Generation Sequencing led her to the Babraham Institute Sequencing Facility, where she worked as a Research Assistant for 2 years. Nicole then became a Start-Up Laboratory Research Scientist at the Francis Crick Institute in Greg Findlay’s Lab (Genome Function), using high-throughput CRISPR screens to investigate mutations in tumour suppressor genes. She undertook her MRes with Iain Macaulay at the Earlham Institute, which explored splicing factors in the haematopoietic system using transcriptomics. Nicole joined the Hurd Lab in 2023 as a LIDo DTP Student to study nutrition-mediated development and gene regulation using royal jelly and stem cells. In her free time, she likes to be active, read and watch films.
PhD STUDENT
Darren Cox
Darren has been an anatomy and biology teaching technician for 23 years. Since joining QMUL's biology teaching laboratories, Darren has been able to assist Paul Hurd's research group in maintaining their colonies. His main interest outside of work is beekeeping, having five colonies of his own.
BIOLOGY TEACHING TECHNICIAN
Lab alumni
Nancy Ellis: PhD Student, 2018-2023. Now, Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the Hurd Lab.
Marek Wojciechowski: Postdoctoral Research Assistant, 2016-2020. Now, Researcher at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, Poland.
Danyal Conn: Beekeeper, 2016-2020. Now, Seasonal Bee Inspector at National Bee Unit.
Aneta Ptaszyńska: Visiting Researcher, 2019. Now, Associate Professor at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University.
Ana Pengelly: Postdoctoral Research Assistant, 2015-2016. Now, Data Scientist at Benevolent AI.
Daniel Condliffe: PhD Student, 2013-2017. Now, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Paranimo Ltd.
