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Pauline Aubert: Chemistry and Microbiology for Public Health

Pauline Aubert

Pauline is much more than just a chemist. This PhD student at the chemistry centre for natural substances (ICSN - Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS) has chosen a thesis topic on the frontier between chemistry and biology. Her thesis statement explains her goal: “A new strategy for the development of glycoconjugate vaccines”.

Tell us about your thesis subject.

Most common vaccines use whole inactivated bacteria or viruses. Glycoconjugate vaccines work with a bacterial antigen, a molecule recognised by the immune system in the event of infection. The antigen is attached to a carrier protein that presents it to the immune system when the vaccine is injected into the body.

Glycoconjugate vaccines avoid potential side effects like conventional vaccines, but they are difficult to produce. I am trying to develop a methodology to simplify their production. I am working on Escherichia coli, a bacterial model that is well characterised and non pathogenic. My laboratory also works with the protein engineering and functionality unit (UFIP - Université de Nantes, CNRS) in Nantes, where researchers focus on the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, similar to E. coli but pathogenic; it causes cholera. My thesis is part of a project to apply the methodology developed with E. coli to V. cholerae and create vaccines against the disease.

What is your academic background?

After a preparatory class in physics, chemistry and engineering sciences (PCSI), I decided to change tack and pursue an undergraduate degree in chemistry. And I joined a “magistère” (post-graduate programme) in molecular physicochemistry at Orsay, in partnership with ENS Paris-Saclay.

Why did you decide to do a thesis and why did you choose this topic?

I have wanted to do chemistry research since I began my studies. I like looking for new things, especially when they can be useful to society. I found this thesis topic very interesting, especially because it combines chemistry and biology, a discipline that I was seriously missing.

Why did you decide to participate in MT180?

I am convinced it is very important to communicate with the general public about laboratory work. MT180 was also a personal challenge, because I find talking in front of an audience difficult. I thought that making myself do it would help.