معرفی
Prof. Dr. Sandy Schmidt is an Associate Professor (Rosalind Franklin Fellow) at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology. She leads the Schmidt-Lab focused on synthetic biotechnology, leveraging enzymes from secondary metabolite pathways for pharmaceutical applications. Her research emphasizes Rieske oxygenases, electron transfer pathways, and autotrophic chassis strain development (e.g., Cupriavidus necator).
- Education:
- Ph.D. in Biotechnology (summa cum laude), University of Greifswald (2015)
- M.Sc. equivalent (Diploma in Biochemistry), University of Greifswald (2012)
- Professional Experience:
- Associate Professor, University of Groningen (2024–present)
- Assistant Professor (Rosalind Franklin Fellow), University of Groningen (2020–2024)
- Group Leader, Graz University of Technology (2017–2020)
- Postdoctoral Researcher, Delft University of Technology (2015–2017)
Her research interests span biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, and synthetic biology. Key projects include developing CO2-based biotechnological processes and optimizing electron transfer in multi-component oxidoreductases. She coordinates the Horizon MSCA Doctoral networks 'BiodeCCodiNNg' and 'ConCO2rde'.
Recent achievements include an ERC Starting Grant (2022), International Biocat Award, and NWO Vidi Grant. She serves as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Catalysis and on editorial boards of RÖMPP and ChemCatChem.
- Awards:
- ERC Starting Grant (2022)
- International Biocat Award (2022)
- NWO Vidi Grant (2022)
- Rosalind Franklin Fellowship (2020)
- Grants & Funding:
- H2020-MSCA-ITN ConCO2rde
- H2020-MSCA Doctoral network BiodeCCodiNNg
Her lab actively engages in teaching and supervision, offering courses on Proteins for Biopharmaceuticals, Green Chemistry, and supervising BSc/MSc/PhD students. Current lab members include PhD candidates Alexander Argyrou, Sara Atienza Sanz, and Charitomeni Angeli.
The lab develops advanced biocatalytic platforms for pharmaceutical precursors and explores autotrophic bacteria for CO2 utilization, aiming to address sustainability challenges in chemical production.
