Victoria Bemmer

Dr. Victoria Bemmer is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth, affiliated with the School of the Environment and Life Sciences and the Centre for Enzyme Innovation. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from Cardiff University and has extensive experience in materials characterization, particularly Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Her research focuses on applying surface analysis techniques to enzyme-polymer systems for environmental solutions like plastic degradation. Previously, she worked at Imperial College London as a Research Facility Manager in AFM. Bemmer’s work spans polymer chemistry, enzymology, and nanomaterials, with recent contributions to high-throughput enzyme engineering and DNA origami functionalization. She collaborates widely and is part of interdisciplinary teams addressing global challenges in sustainability and biotechnology.

Education:

• MChem (Hons) in Chemistry, Cardiff University (2009)
• PhD in Chemistry under Professors Philip Davies and Michael Bowker, Cardiff University (2014)

Research Affiliations:

• Centre for Enzyme Innovation (CEI)
• Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare
• Institute of the Earth and Environment

Research Themes:

Her work integrates advanced microscopy with biocatalysis, targeting plastic degradation mechanisms and novel biomaterials. Recent efforts focus on enzyme engineering for PET hydrolases and surface electrostatic control in polymer systems.

Key Projects:

• Development of high-throughput screening platforms for industrial enzymes
• Mechanical mapping of biological tissues (e.g., ovarian microenvironments)
• Electroactive materials for neural interfaces