This is one in a series of blog posts where we highlight members of the global yet2 team. We recently spoke with Sepideh Bourenjanshirazi, PhD intern based out of our Nottingham office.
When did you join yet2?
I joined the Nottingham office in July 2025 to undertake my PhD industrial placement at yet2.
What industry or technology interests or excites you the most right now?
Given my background and research focus in synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology, I’m particularly excited about the diverse applications of bio-based solutions across the food and beverage, agricultural, medical, and pharmaceutical sectors. It’s fascinating to see industries increasingly moving toward greener and more sustainable technologies. Thanks to recent advancements in biotechnology, these bio-based innovations are now capable of offering multifunctional applications while also being eco-friendly. Exploring how such technologies can benefit different industries is both inspiring and valuable, especially as I work toward developing robust microbial platforms for the production of value-added compounds.
What type of client engagements do you enjoy the most?
I really enjoy engagements where clients openly share their real-world challenges and are willing to explore creative, out-of-the-box solutions. It’s particularly rewarding when the collaboration is dynamic, as both sides can learn from the process of scouting and evaluating innovative technologies.
Are there any areas/topics in which you consider yourself an expert?
As an early-career researcher, I have a long way to go before I can consider myself an expert, especially in the fast-growing field of synthetic biology. However, since the beginning of my research journey, I’ve been actively trying to optimise well-studied microbial strains to produce valuable products, ranging from enzymes to natural compounds, by leveraging a combination of computational methods and genetic engineering toolkits.
What do you do when you are not working?
I really enjoy spending time with my friends, whether it’s a regular chat over a coffee or meal, an exciting board game night, or something more energetic like bowling, darts, or karaoke!
