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Lab Members

Meet the people powering research in the Woodward Lab.

Jonathan Woodward

Jonathan Woodward

Group Head

A chemist by training, I am fascinated by both the fundamental aspects of radical pair behaviour and particularly in if and how life exploits the unique properties of radical pairs to leverage them to provide biological function. My primary approach is in developing and exploiting new measurement tools to address these questions with precision. I also have a passion for trying to explain complex ideas in accessible ways and this has driven my approach to teaching science over many years.

Noboru Ikeya

Noboru Ikeya

Project Researcher

I am a scientist with a strong background in physics and molecular biology. In the Woodward group, I develop and apply fluorescence microscopy techniques to study radical-pair photochemistry in living cells and at the single-molecule level with high spatiotemporal resolution. I am passionate about visualizing radical-pair reactions in living systems in ways that may inspire new developments in cell biology and quantum physics.

Tito Akindele

Tito Akindele

Research Collaborator

I am a chemical biologist with research interests including: 1) the development of synthetic methods and strategies for assembling molecules for probing protein–protein interactions associated with neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and oncogenic diseases; 2) the development of molecules that generate spin-correlated radical pairs for applications in quantum information science; and 3) the development of personalized instructional approaches to enhance student motivation and learning.

Shogo Ono

Shogo Ono

PhD student

My hobby is visiting ramen shops. I am working on analysing proteins that exhibit magnetic field effects.

Yan Tang

Yan Tang

Masters Student

I am a GPES masters student. I joined Woodward Group for my undergraduate project on investigating the effect of applying a magnetic field on the fluorescence of E.coli. I love singing, it’s one of my favorite things to do. Gaming is my favorite way to pass time.

Ahmed Elrefaey

Ahmed Elrefaey

Assistant Professor

My research interests are diverse, spanning the design of supramolecular materials and polymers for energy conversion, carbon nanomaterial dispersion, and soft materials. My current research focuses on developing mechanically and magnetically responsive radical-pair hydrogels based on polymer networks and photochemical systems.

Anna Cui

Anna Cui

Bachelors student

As a fourth-year PEAK student, I am completing my graduation thesis with the Woodward Group, exploring how magnetic fields influence the spin chemistry of Flavin-Tryptophan radical pairs. When I’m not in the lab, I compete with the university Archery Team and contribute to Komaba Times.

Sota Takahashi

Sota Takahashi

Project Specialist

As an aspiring physical ethologist, I am working with plasmodial slime molds. My research interests span their motion, ecology, and taxonomy of these unique organisms. I am working with the Woodward Lab on phototaxis and magnetotaxis of slime molds. When I am away from the lab, I enjoy nature and street photography, or screaming metal songs at a karaoke room.

Bo Su

Bo Su

Masters student

I am a GPES masters studentstudying the magnetic field mechanisms in proteins and within structures in cells. I love doing everything by rules and manners. In my leisure time, I often focus on Japan’s transportation, tourism and showajidai jpops.

Former Members

Joshua BeardmoreAdrian Salaoru Lewis Antill Adonay GebrehiwotTimothy FosterRaminder Shergill Alex Jones Claire VinkUjjwala ThakarXu TaoAya UbagaiMartin WhiteMasaya SatoKazuya ArakawaYuki TachinoHirokazu WatanabeMahi PatkiSiyi ChenOnkar GulatiRemya MuralikattanMichael OgunbowaleMichael HaberlerSophie CahillVictoria LedgerPhilip LaneTejash PatelRoshni DhaiaNicholas ColemanMark WaltonHollie PattenStephen HornbyCorrie Vennard