Dr Barbora Ndreca

I am a plant molecular biologist by background, interested in the genetic modification of crops for sustainable and climate-change resistant agriculture. After completing my PhD at the University of Reading / Rothamsted Research in 2014, I worked briefly as an interpreter for the NHS and Sheffield City Council. In 2016, I started working as a research assistant at the University of Nottingham, and in 2017 as a research technician, both in the area of wheat molecular genetics. Alongside this job, I also worked part-time as a community nutritionist in Bradford for six months. In 2018, I got a research technician position at the University of Sheffield in the Medical School, where I worked as a core facility technician, supporting several teams and projects, including a tissue culture facility. I was also involved in an experimental work of novel drug development for polycystic kidney disease. During the pandemic, I volunteered in the Covid-19 Oxford vaccine trial at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, where I processed human samples. In 2019-2022, I worked as a research technician in the School of Biosciences, supporting research in plant stomata development and water use efficiency in avocado.

I am also a freelance Registered Associate Nutritionist, passionate about evidence-based human nutrition, healthy eating and lifestyle.

I joined MEE in September 2022 as a Senior teaching technician. I lead the Bioengineering Tissue laboratory where I support practical teaching of bioengineering modules and am responsible for the general lab management.