Caitlin Harris
Job title: Contracts Officer
My role: I work in the Natural Products Biohub project. My role is to draft, review and negotiate contracts and agreements that will be used to progress and support the project, while collaborating with the Swansea University Legal teams. My goal is to ensure that the needs of the project are supported and that the aims of the project and the aims of those we work with are met efficiently and effectively.
Bio: After completing my undergraduate and master’s degree in Classical Civilizations at Swansea University, I returned to complete my Graduate Diploma in Law. I have worked with various legal teams and projects to build a wealth of experience, and I am in the process of finalizing my qualifications as a solicitor in 2025. I hope that I will bring a unique perspective to my role within the Natural Products Biohub project.
Email: c.j.harris@swansea.ac.uk
Hamzah Bhatti
Job title: Research and Engagement Assistant
My role: My career has spanned more than 8 years of experience in implementing donor-based programs with expertise in the development sector. My goal as an Research and Engagement Assistant is to help Swansea University to create meaningful and measurable impact, and to build relationships with stakeholders to ensure that their mission and goals are achieved.
Bio: A professional with a sound academic background and extensive experience in the field of agriculture and international development I bring a wealth of expertise in organising and managing relationships by facilitating private sector engagement and collaborations. I hold a Double master’s degree under a scholarship of Erasmus Mundus led by consortium of Wageningen University, The Netherlands, Aarhus University, Denmark and University of Debrecen, Hungary.
Email: h.s.bhatti@swansea.ac.uk
Mustapha Touray
Job title: Research Assistant
My role: My research focuses on developing sustainable and economically viable pathogen, pest, and vector control methods.
Bio: I am a biologist with a PhD focused on natural products for pest control, particularly mosquitoes. My expertise spans fundamental and applied research in developing biological control agents, including natural products for mosquito vectors and crop pests, bacteria-derived metabolites for novel therapeutics and pest control, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), and semiochemicals (kairomones). I have had the opportunity to work with different groups around the world, including Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Swansea University, and the University of Copenhagen.
Email: Mustapha.touray@swansea.ac.uk
Qianyi Zhang
Job title: Research Assistant
My role: Support research projects associated with Natural Products BioHub connecting industry, academia, and the community.
Bio: I am a research assistant for Natural Products BioHUB with extensive experience in delivering technical support for research and commercial projects, including micro- and macro-algae research and medical research. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular cell biology and a Master of Research in computational biology at the University of York. I worked at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) as an algal support scientist and a researcher at Aeirtec Ltd. and University of Göttingen Medical School on asthma before joining NP BioHUB at Swansea University in 2024. I hope to support natural products research and make a positive impact on environmental sustainability, even just a little.
Email: qianyi.zhang@swansea.ac.uk
Raghib Mubassir Qazi
Job title: Research Assistant
My role: I support research projects by connecting academia, industry, and the community, aiming to contribute to meaningful scientific advancements.
Bio: I hold a BSc in Biotechnology from BRAC University, Bangladesh, and an MSc in Biotechnology and Enterprise from The University of Manchester, where I was awarded the Global Futures Scholarship. Previously, I worked as a QC Officer at Incepta Vaccines Limited in Bangladesh, ensuring vaccine product compliance with quality standards. I have experience working with bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mammalian cells, alongside a solid foundation in molecular biology, and I look forward to contributing to impactful research at Swansea University.
Email: R.m.qazi@swansea.ac.uk
Rana Hussien Abdalla
Job title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
My role: My role focuses on exploring tritrophic interactions among entomopathogenic fungi, insects, and plants to enhance the efficacy and environmental compatibility of biological control strategies.
Bio: I am a Visiting Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Natural Products BioHUB, Swansea University, since April 2025. Previously, I held a postdoctoral position at Penn State University, Behrend Campus, where I investigated tritrophic interactions among entomopathogenic fungi, insects, and plants to develop eco-friendly biocontrol strategies. I am also affiliated with the Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Egypt, contributing to projects on the use of entomopathogenic fungi in integrated pest management.
Email: rana.h.abdalla@swansea.ac.uk
Stephanie Footman
Job title: Marketing and Communications Assistant
My role: I lead on marketing and communications for Swansea University’s Natural Products BioHUB. My role includes content creation, stakeholder engagement and brand development. I’m also expanding our communications strategy to enhance visibility and collaboration across public and private sectors, helping the BioHUB realise its full potential as a catalyst for sustainable innovation.
Bio: With extensive experience in international marketing, I hold a degree in Corporate Communication from Lille University in France and have worked across a variety of sectors, most recently in the climate and sustainability space with Boston Consulting Group. My work has supported global campaigns, high-level executive communications, and cross-sector partnerships. I’m passionate about using communication to drive positive environmental and social impact. If you'd like to find out more about the BioHUB or explore ways to collaborate, feel free to get in touch!
Email: Stephanie.Footman@swansea.ac.uk
