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Cambridge Biosciences DTP PhD Programme

 
Maximilian Gantz at WildGenes expedition in the Amazon rainforest

Photo: Maximilian Gantz and Dr Timo Kohler with the directors of the Hoja Nueva Rescue and Research Center; Dr Samantha Zwicker and Dylan Singer.

Maximilian Gantz and Dr Timo Kohler from the Hollfelder lab at the Department of Biochemistry recently went on a field trip to Peru, to the Hoja Nueva Rescue and Research Center. The reserve covers over 3000 hectares of pristine Amazon rainforest also known as the Las Piedras. Using Oxford Nanopore sequencing, they investigated the microbial biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, with special focus on the host-associated gut microbiome of ocelots and other ecological niches with high microbial biodiversity. This research intersects with conservation science carnivore re-wilding and enzyme discovery simultaneously aiming to conserve, investigate and utilize the genetic diversity found in the rainforest.

In his PhD research, Max is interested in the engineering and discovery of enzymes for biotechnological application to replace classical chemical catalysts in chemical industry. Enzymes for a range of different reactions have already been identified and are already applied in green chemistry applications but there is still an urgent need to discover novel functional biocatalysts. He is interested in identifying novel enzymes in the diverse microbiome that can be found in the Amazon: The most biodiverse environment on the planet.

 

View from the Hoja Nueva research station

 

A huge Shihuahuaco tree that can grow for >1000 years and is a preferred target for illegal logging

 

Latest news

Welcome to the BBSRC DTP Cohort 2024!

7 October 2024

On Wednesday, 2nd October, we were thrilled to welcome the new 2024 BBSRC Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) cohort. The induction event was an excellent opportunity for the 26 new students to engage with the DTP core team and begin their exciting research journeys. Throughout the day, students met with key members of the...

Cambridge Biosciences DTP Symposium 2024

21 August 2024

On Thursday 1st August 2024, the Cambridge Biosciences DTP hosted its Annual DTP Student Symposium at St John’s College. The event showcased the remarkable work being done by students across the DTP cohorts, as well as helping to foster a community for building connections within the Cambridge Biosciences ecosystem. The...

SBS DTP Student Maximilian Gantz at WildGenes expedition in the Amazon rainforest

7 May 2024

Maximilian Gantz and Dr Timo Kohler from the Hollfelder lab at the Department of Biochemistry recently went on a field trip to Peru, to the Hoja Nueva Rescue and Research Center