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Our Team
Michael Boemo
Sarah Chapman
Pauline Pfuderer
Shutong Ye
Francisco Berkemeier
XiangRu Huang
Rosie Berners-Lee
Olivia Mei
Pauline Pfuderer
CRUK PhD Student
I am a research student in Cancer Biology within the CRUK MRes + PhD Programme. Previously I did a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Heidelberg (Germany), studying abroad at Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and researching cancer immunology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) in Boston. Ever since doing a lab rotation in single-cell RNA sequencing at EMBL-EBI/Cambridge Pharmacology, I am really interested in the computational side of biology. Since then, I focus on programming rather than pipetting and am looking forward to working with the Boemo Group.
Email: plp27@cam.ac.uk
Group Photos
August 2025
From left: Katy Sherborne, Alice Savasta, XiangRu Huang, Shutong Ye, Michael Boemo
Not pictured: Francisco Berkemeier, Pauline Pfuderer
Not pictured: Francisco Berkemeier, Pauline Pfuderer
May 2025
From left: Francisco Berkemeier, Eva Zeng, Pauline Pfuderer, Shutong Ye, Michael Boemo, XiangRu Huang, Zahra Colas
Former Members
Katy Sherborne
Summer Research Student
I am a 1st year medical student at the University of Cambridge. I am particular interested in the application of modelling and AI technology to investigate biological processes. Having never performed research using computational biology before, I am excited to incorporate my interests and new techniques to better understand DNA replication forks. In my spare time, I enjoy rowing, curling up with a book and hiking with my dog.
I am thrilled to be doing a summer project with the Boemo group this summer!
I am a 1st year medical student at the University of Cambridge. I am particular interested in the application of modelling and AI technology to investigate biological processes. Having never performed research using computational biology before, I am excited to incorporate my interests and new techniques to better understand DNA replication forks. In my spare time, I enjoy rowing, curling up with a book and hiking with my dog.
I am thrilled to be doing a summer project with the Boemo group this summer!
Alice Savasta
Summer Research Student
I am a second-year Physiological Science student at the University of Bristol with a strong interest in genomics and pathology. Throughout my degree, I have been particularly drawn to the utilisation of computational tools to uncover the mechanisms driving disease. I am thrilled to be given the incredible opportunity to work in the Boemo group this summer, where I will aim contribute towards the understanding of Plasmodium falciparum. Although I am relatively new to the field of bioinformatics, I am determined to gain a solid foundation in computational biology, which is the path I intend to pursue for my PhD and future career. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, wildlife photography, and spending time with animals.
I am a second-year Physiological Science student at the University of Bristol with a strong interest in genomics and pathology. Throughout my degree, I have been particularly drawn to the utilisation of computational tools to uncover the mechanisms driving disease. I am thrilled to be given the incredible opportunity to work in the Boemo group this summer, where I will aim contribute towards the understanding of Plasmodium falciparum. Although I am relatively new to the field of bioinformatics, I am determined to gain a solid foundation in computational biology, which is the path I intend to pursue for my PhD and future career. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, wildlife photography, and spending time with animals.
Zahra Colas
Visiting Master's Student
Initially drawn to medical studies, I pursued engineering due to my strong interest in mathematics and physics. After two years of entrance exam preparatory classes at Lycée Stanislas in Paris, I joined CentraleSupélec, part of Paris-Saclay University, where I studied applied mathematics and physics across various engineering sectors. To maintain my focus on biology, I also enrolled in a bioengineering program at Gustave Roussy Hospital, aiming to specialize in the biomedical field during my final year at Centrale and pursue a master's in applied biomathematics. Ultimately, I plan to enter medical school and specialize in surgery.
Currently on a gap year for internships, I spent six months in Fabien Wagner’s lab contributing to the setup and execution of a clinical trial on brain-spine stimulation, as well as programming data acquisition and processing. I am now excited to spend the next six months in Michael Boemo’s lab, discovering and developing experience in the field of computational oncology and biomath.
In my spare time, you will find me either hiking, knitting, baking or traveling.
Initially drawn to medical studies, I pursued engineering due to my strong interest in mathematics and physics. After two years of entrance exam preparatory classes at Lycée Stanislas in Paris, I joined CentraleSupélec, part of Paris-Saclay University, where I studied applied mathematics and physics across various engineering sectors. To maintain my focus on biology, I also enrolled in a bioengineering program at Gustave Roussy Hospital, aiming to specialize in the biomedical field during my final year at Centrale and pursue a master's in applied biomathematics. Ultimately, I plan to enter medical school and specialize in surgery.
Currently on a gap year for internships, I spent six months in Fabien Wagner’s lab contributing to the setup and execution of a clinical trial on brain-spine stimulation, as well as programming data acquisition and processing. I am now excited to spend the next six months in Michael Boemo’s lab, discovering and developing experience in the field of computational oncology and biomath.
In my spare time, you will find me either hiking, knitting, baking or traveling.
Eva Zeng
Part II Pathology Student
I am a third year Natural Sciences student majoring in Pathology. I'm particularly interested in cancer biology and oncology therapeutics, having previously interned at a medicinal chemistry lab synthesising potential cancer chemotherapy. Although I am quite new to computational biology, and I am very excited to develop a more interdisciplinary understanding on cancer biology during this research project the Boemo lab.
Email: yz810@cam.ac.uk
I am a third year Natural Sciences student majoring in Pathology. I'm particularly interested in cancer biology and oncology therapeutics, having previously interned at a medicinal chemistry lab synthesising potential cancer chemotherapy. Although I am quite new to computational biology, and I am very excited to develop a more interdisciplinary understanding on cancer biology during this research project the Boemo lab.
Email: yz810@cam.ac.uk
Jess Moore
Cancer Research UK MRes + PhD Student
I am a postgraduate research student, completing a rotation with the Boemo Group as part of my first year on the Cancer Research UK MRes + PhD in Cancer Biology programme. My first degree was in Engineering (University of Liverpool), during which I gained an interest in applying my knowledge of mathematics and physics to biological problems. Following graduation, I conducted research in biomechanical engineering, where I primarily focused on the computational modelling of ophthalmic surgeries. Alongside this work, I also conducted research in computational biology, focusing on the mathematical modelling of circadian gene expression networks, and the spatial heterogeneity in circadian behaviour which gives rise to spatio-temporal patterns of gene expression.
Having observed the utility of machine learning in my research, I decided to gain a more thorough education in this area by completing an MPhil in Data Intensive Science at the University of Cambridge. During this time, I worked on a project using deep-learning approaches to fuse multi-modal clinical data (RNA sequencing, copy number variation, histology slides) for glioma survival analysis and histological grade classification. I’m excited to continue working on cancer-related projects in the Boemo group.
Outside of work, I like to play Australian rules football and enjoy playing the piano, guitar and drums, albeit not very well.
I am a postgraduate research student, completing a rotation with the Boemo Group as part of my first year on the Cancer Research UK MRes + PhD in Cancer Biology programme. My first degree was in Engineering (University of Liverpool), during which I gained an interest in applying my knowledge of mathematics and physics to biological problems. Following graduation, I conducted research in biomechanical engineering, where I primarily focused on the computational modelling of ophthalmic surgeries. Alongside this work, I also conducted research in computational biology, focusing on the mathematical modelling of circadian gene expression networks, and the spatial heterogeneity in circadian behaviour which gives rise to spatio-temporal patterns of gene expression.
Having observed the utility of machine learning in my research, I decided to gain a more thorough education in this area by completing an MPhil in Data Intensive Science at the University of Cambridge. During this time, I worked on a project using deep-learning approaches to fuse multi-modal clinical data (RNA sequencing, copy number variation, histology slides) for glioma survival analysis and histological grade classification. I’m excited to continue working on cancer-related projects in the Boemo group.
Outside of work, I like to play Australian rules football and enjoy playing the piano, guitar and drums, albeit not very well.
Nisha Gangadharan
Postdoctoral Researcher
As someone who has always enjoyed applying interdisciplinary approaches to solving biological problems, I find Boemo group an exciting place to work.
As an undergraduate student in Bachelor of Technology Bioinformatics (Karunya University, India), I worked on finding alternate factors for inducing pluripotency without the risk of tumour formation during cellular reprogramming of adult stem cells to embryonic-like stem cells. After my undergraduate I worked as a systems engineer at Infosys Ltd for three years. When I left my job as a senior systems engineer in 2016, it was to pursue a fully funded MSc in Stem Cell Technology at the University of Nottingham. In 2017, I moved to Cambridge to start an MPhil by research degree at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, where I worked on developing an integrative framework for knowledge discovery tailored for handling historical bioprocess datasets in collaboration with MedImmune (now AstraZeneca), who were also my sponsors. In 2019, I started a PhD at the same department, sponsored by AstraZeneca, to develop a data-driven model predictive control scheme for CHO cell cultures in fed batch bioreactors. The project was at an exciting intersection of engineering, data science and biology. I am looking forward to using all these skills to answer some of the pressing questions in oncogene-induced replication stress that drives cancer development, at the Boemo group.
When I am not working, I enjoy going for walks, cycling, and spending time with friends. On a quiet day, I like to unwind with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book that can keep me on my toes.
As someone who has always enjoyed applying interdisciplinary approaches to solving biological problems, I find Boemo group an exciting place to work.
As an undergraduate student in Bachelor of Technology Bioinformatics (Karunya University, India), I worked on finding alternate factors for inducing pluripotency without the risk of tumour formation during cellular reprogramming of adult stem cells to embryonic-like stem cells. After my undergraduate I worked as a systems engineer at Infosys Ltd for three years. When I left my job as a senior systems engineer in 2016, it was to pursue a fully funded MSc in Stem Cell Technology at the University of Nottingham. In 2017, I moved to Cambridge to start an MPhil by research degree at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, where I worked on developing an integrative framework for knowledge discovery tailored for handling historical bioprocess datasets in collaboration with MedImmune (now AstraZeneca), who were also my sponsors. In 2019, I started a PhD at the same department, sponsored by AstraZeneca, to develop a data-driven model predictive control scheme for CHO cell cultures in fed batch bioreactors. The project was at an exciting intersection of engineering, data science and biology. I am looking forward to using all these skills to answer some of the pressing questions in oncogene-induced replication stress that drives cancer development, at the Boemo group.
When I am not working, I enjoy going for walks, cycling, and spending time with friends. On a quiet day, I like to unwind with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book that can keep me on my toes.
Annie Huang
MPhil Student
Hi I’m Annie, I completed my undergraduate degree in Zoology at Cambridge, where I specialised in Bioinformatics and understanding cell signalling in cancer. As a part of my integrated master’s in Systems Biology, I completed a research project with the Sawarkar group in MRC Toxicology Unit. Here, I built a computational pipeline to explore the mutagenic impact of Pol III genes in liver cancer and use Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) to predict cancer phenotypes. I am interested in using machine learning and computational techniques to understand the molecular mechanisms affected in cancer. In my spare time, I like to play rugby and other university sports and buying too many house plants.
Email: ah2083@cam.ac.uk
Hi I’m Annie, I completed my undergraduate degree in Zoology at Cambridge, where I specialised in Bioinformatics and understanding cell signalling in cancer. As a part of my integrated master’s in Systems Biology, I completed a research project with the Sawarkar group in MRC Toxicology Unit. Here, I built a computational pipeline to explore the mutagenic impact of Pol III genes in liver cancer and use Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) to predict cancer phenotypes. I am interested in using machine learning and computational techniques to understand the molecular mechanisms affected in cancer. In my spare time, I like to play rugby and other university sports and buying too many house plants.
Email: ah2083@cam.ac.uk
Darshana Marathe
Summer Research Student
I am a 2nd year medical student at Pembroke College with a keen interest in the integration of Physics and Biology, hence my upcoming intercalation in Bioengineering next year. I am looking forward to my introduction to the workings of a dry lab and experiencing some computational biology! In my spare time, I try and cram in as my sports as possible – I’m currently juggling swimming, badminton and karate. I’m really excited to spend my summer with the Boemo group!
Email: dm974@cam.ac.uk
I am a 2nd year medical student at Pembroke College with a keen interest in the integration of Physics and Biology, hence my upcoming intercalation in Bioengineering next year. I am looking forward to my introduction to the workings of a dry lab and experiencing some computational biology! In my spare time, I try and cram in as my sports as possible – I’m currently juggling swimming, badminton and karate. I’m really excited to spend my summer with the Boemo group!
Email: dm974@cam.ac.uk
Emma Cohen
Summer Research Student
I am a third-year medical student intercalating in Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. Whilst undertaking wet lab research during my intercalation, I have found myself interested in the computational research methods accompanying wet lab investigation. Thus, I am keen to explore the world of computational biology and am particularly interested in applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence to molecular research.
I am delighted to be joining the Boemo group for a summer project investigating DNA replication fork dynamics where I will be able to channel these interests.
Email: emc99@cam.ac.uk
I am a third-year medical student intercalating in Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. Whilst undertaking wet lab research during my intercalation, I have found myself interested in the computational research methods accompanying wet lab investigation. Thus, I am keen to explore the world of computational biology and am particularly interested in applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence to molecular research.
I am delighted to be joining the Boemo group for a summer project investigating DNA replication fork dynamics where I will be able to channel these interests.
Email: emc99@cam.ac.uk
Faye Lynch Williams
Part II Pathology Student
I am a third year medical student at the University of Cambridge, undertaking an intercalated degree in Pathology. I'm particularly interested in cancer biology and especially enjoy the computational side of research. Having first been exposed to programming and manipulating large datasets in a placement I did at the Sanger Institute, I'm really looking forward to learning more during my 9 month project in the Boemo group, working alongside my supervisors Pauline and Mike to investigate DNA replication fork stalls.
Email: fl432@cam.ac.uk
I am a third year medical student at the University of Cambridge, undertaking an intercalated degree in Pathology. I'm particularly interested in cancer biology and especially enjoy the computational side of research. Having first been exposed to programming and manipulating large datasets in a placement I did at the Sanger Institute, I'm really looking forward to learning more during my 9 month project in the Boemo group, working alongside my supervisors Pauline and Mike to investigate DNA replication fork stalls.
Email: fl432@cam.ac.uk
Eamonn Gilmore
Pathology Part II Student, 2022-2023
I’m a medical student with a keen interest in cancer biology, having previously done a research project on transcription factors of ALK positive ALCL, a rare childhood lymphoma. I’m a novice to dry lab work and computational biology however, and am very interested in applying computational models to cancer biology.
In my spare time I enjoy running, hiking and reading.
Email: ecg49@cam.ac.uk
I’m a medical student with a keen interest in cancer biology, having previously done a research project on transcription factors of ALK positive ALCL, a rare childhood lymphoma. I’m a novice to dry lab work and computational biology however, and am very interested in applying computational models to cancer biology.
In my spare time I enjoy running, hiking and reading.
Email: ecg49@cam.ac.uk
Lara Camerini
Amgen Scholar, 2022
I’m a student at the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Italy and I am in my second year of Medicine and Surgery. I am completely fascinated by the science behind the way our bodies work and in the last couple of years I have also discovered the world of scientific computing and working with the Boemo Group seems the perfect way to combine the two! I enjoy studying foreign languages and reading books. I also love being active: I do ballet and sail quite often, as I live by the sea. I am excited and eager to be a part of this team for this summer!!
I’m a student at the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Italy and I am in my second year of Medicine and Surgery. I am completely fascinated by the science behind the way our bodies work and in the last couple of years I have also discovered the world of scientific computing and working with the Boemo Group seems the perfect way to combine the two! I enjoy studying foreign languages and reading books. I also love being active: I do ballet and sail quite often, as I live by the sea. I am excited and eager to be a part of this team for this summer!!
Han Zhang
Computational Biology MPhil Student, 2021-2022
I graduated with BSc in medical sciences at University College London, and during my undergraduate, I always had a specific interest in the quantitative aspects of solving biological problems. That’s why I decided to become a master's student at MPhil Computational Biology, furthering my skills and understanding with a range of tools and methods in computational biology. For my dissertation project in undergraduate, I applied novel network analysis to analyse organ system connectivity in cirrhosis patients and their ability in predicting survival outcomes. I like to do yoga and go swimming in my spare time. I look forward to working with the Boemo Group.
I graduated with BSc in medical sciences at University College London, and during my undergraduate, I always had a specific interest in the quantitative aspects of solving biological problems. That’s why I decided to become a master's student at MPhil Computational Biology, furthering my skills and understanding with a range of tools and methods in computational biology. For my dissertation project in undergraduate, I applied novel network analysis to analyse organ system connectivity in cirrhosis patients and their ability in predicting survival outcomes. I like to do yoga and go swimming in my spare time. I look forward to working with the Boemo Group.
Kishen Joshi
Pathology Part II Student, 2021-2022
Christopher Blaxland-Kay
Computational Biology MPhil Student, 2020-2021
I'm a masters student studying computational biology at the University of Cambridge, with a large interest in computational systems biology. I have a specific passion for the investigation of methodological frameworks in which to undertake the goals of systems biology, ranging from the use of biophysics to process algebras, in the hopes of one day creating more powerful techniques to aid in the solution of biological, pathogenic and systems medicine based problems.
I'm a masters student studying computational biology at the University of Cambridge, with a large interest in computational systems biology. I have a specific passion for the investigation of methodological frameworks in which to undertake the goals of systems biology, ranging from the use of biophysics to process algebras, in the hopes of one day creating more powerful techniques to aid in the solution of biological, pathogenic and systems medicine based problems.
Natasha Kowshik
Pathology Part II Student, 2020-2021
I’m a 3rd Year medical student at Cambridge University majoring in Pathology. I particularly love learning about cancer biology and virology, and I’m hoping to specialise in one of these fields in the future. In my spare time, I’m actively involved in music, activism, and archery.
I’m a 3rd Year medical student at Cambridge University majoring in Pathology. I particularly love learning about cancer biology and virology, and I’m hoping to specialise in one of these fields in the future. In my spare time, I’m actively involved in music, activism, and archery.
Yutong Angela Cai
A*STAR Summer Student, 2021
I grew up in China and Singapore before coming to UK to study Natural Sciences at Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge. My academic interests lie at the intersection of chemistry and biology, and I plan to pursue a PhD in this field. This summer, I am blessed with a summer internship with Dr. Beomo to investigate the effect of incorporating artificial analogue on Oxford Nanopore sequencing data. Another academic interest of mine is history and philosophy of science which enlightens me the purpose of scientific endeavours. In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, figure skating and learning new things.
I grew up in China and Singapore before coming to UK to study Natural Sciences at Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge. My academic interests lie at the intersection of chemistry and biology, and I plan to pursue a PhD in this field. This summer, I am blessed with a summer internship with Dr. Beomo to investigate the effect of incorporating artificial analogue on Oxford Nanopore sequencing data. Another academic interest of mine is history and philosophy of science which enlightens me the purpose of scientific endeavours. In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, figure skating and learning new things.
Chew Yi-Ting
A*STAR Summer Student, 2020
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Cambridge studying pathology, and I’m trying to learn more about computational biology too. In my spare time, I also enjoy painting and making digital illustrations.
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Cambridge studying pathology, and I’m trying to learn more about computational biology too. In my spare time, I also enjoy painting and making digital illustrations.
Clara O'Carroll
Harry Smith Microbiology Summer Student, 2020
I am currently a third-year undergraduate studying Genetics in Trinity College Dublin. I am really enthusiastic about the opportunity to be part of the Boemo Group at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge as an intern this summer. The computational skills developed this summer will give me a highly sought-after interdisciplinary skillset. I will be entering the final year of my genetics studies this September 2020 and this amazing opportunity will help me develop some critical research skills as I aim to pursue a PhD in genetics following my undergraduate degree.
I am currently a third-year undergraduate studying Genetics in Trinity College Dublin. I am really enthusiastic about the opportunity to be part of the Boemo Group at the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge as an intern this summer. The computational skills developed this summer will give me a highly sought-after interdisciplinary skillset. I will be entering the final year of my genetics studies this September 2020 and this amazing opportunity will help me develop some critical research skills as I aim to pursue a PhD in genetics following my undergraduate degree.
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