Mark Lorch is Professor of Science Communication at the University of Hull. He trained as a protein chemist, studying protein folding and function. His research now focuses on the chemistry of a broad range of biological systems including lipids, proteins and even plant spores.
You can find more of his writing at www.chemistry-blog.com, the Guardian and in his The New Humanist column. You might also like to check out his books 'The Secret Science of Superheroes' and 'Biochemistry - A Very Short Introduction'
As well as his written out puts he gives regular talks to schools, the public and conferences (sometimes all at once, at science festivals or TEDx) and he occasionally pops up on the radio and TV explaining science and technology to a public audience.
Experience
2014–present
Associate Dean, Engagment, University of Hull
2016–present
Professor of Science Communication , University of Hull
2013–2016
Senior lecturer in Biological Chemistry, University of Hull
2010–2013
Lecturer in Biological Chemistry, University of Hull
2005–2010
RCUK Academic Fellow, University of Hull
2003–2005
Post Doctoral Research Associate, Goethe University, Frankfurt
2000–2003
Post Doctoral Research Associate, University of Bristol
Education
1999
University of Bristol, PhD
1995
University of Warwick, BSc. Biochemistry
Publications
2016
Conformational photoswitching of a synthetic peptide foldamer bound within a phospholipid bilayer, Science
2015
Chelator free gallium-68 radiolabelling of silica coated iron oxide nanorods via surface interactions , Nanoscale
2013
Protein free microscapsules obtained from plant spores as a model for drug delivery: ibuprofen encapsulation, release and taste masking, Journal of Materials Chemistry B
2012
Sequestration of edible oil from emulsions using new single and double layered microcapsules from plant spores (, Journal of Materials Chemistry B
2012
A Clerical Error Provides a Unique Opportunity to Study the Effect of Previously Seen Exam Questions on Exam Results, New Directions
2011
Dynamic nuclear polarization-enhanced solid-state NMR of a 13C-labeled signal peptide bound to lipid-reconstituted sec translocon , Journal of the American Chemical Society
2010
Access to a primary aminosporopollenin solid support from plant spores , Green Chemistry
2010
Cholesterol and lipid phases influence the interactions between serotonin receptor agonists and lipid bilayers, Journal of Biological Chemistry
2009
MRI contrast agent delivery using spore capsules: Controlled release in blood plasma, Chemcomm
2008
Location and orientation of serotonin receptor 1a agonists in model and complex lipid membranes , Journal of Biological Chemistry
2008
Transport cycle intermediate in small multidrug resistance protein is revealed by substrate fluorescence, FASEB Journal
2008
Phosphatidylglycerol Lipids Enhance Folding of an α Helical Membrane Protein, Journal of Molecular Biology
Grants and Contracts
2015
Molecules in Minecraft
Role:
Principle Investigator
Funding Source:
Royal Society of Chemistry
2013
Training Scientists to Develop and Image Materials for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.
Role:
Co-Investigator
Funding Source:
EU
2011
Using Drama and Comics to Engage School Children with Science
Role:
Principle Investigator
Funding Source:
HE-STEM program
2007
Analysis of the Interaction Between the SecY Protein Translocation Complex and its Substrate Pre-Protein
Role:
Co-Investigator
Funding Source:
BBSRC
2007
Controlling Membranes with Photoisomerisable Lipid Analogues: A Solid State NMR Based Study.