Dr Rianne Lord

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research focuses on the design and development of novel metallodrugs for the treatment of disease, for example, cancer and antimicrobial resistance, with particular emphasis on using biocompatible and non-toxic metals. We explore how the unique redox properties and coordination environments of metals can be harnessed to achieve selective uptake, distribution, and targeting of biomolecules within cells. Alongside synthetic chemistry and characterisation, we apply a range of chemical biology techniques—including whole-cell ICP-MS, EPR spectroscopy, microscopy, and 3D cell culture models—to study how these compounds behave in biologically relevant, tumour-like environments. This interdisciplinary approach allows us to gain mechanistic insight into how metal-based drugs function at the cellular level and supports the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Research Groups

Lord Research Group

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: student-centred, inclusive, collaborative.

Provision of Training

I provide tailored, hands-on training that integrates synthetic chemistry, analytical techniques, and chemical biology methods, ensuring PhD students gain both technical expertise and transferable skills. Regular one-to-one mentoring, group meetings, and opportunities for conference participation support their academic development and career progression. Training will be supervised by me and the group's postdocs/PhD students.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I encourage students to take full ownership of their research while actively engaging with the team for collaborative problem-solving and support. Progress is closely monitored through regular one-to-one meetings to review training needs and plan upcoming work, complemented by quarterly progress reviews and annual assessments in line with institutional requirements. This structured approach ensures timely feedback, clear goal-setting, and early identification of any challenges, supporting continuous academic and professional development.

Communication

I am readily available via email and Teams, though while I may send messages outside of regular hours, I do not expect responses until standard working times. Communication is kept professional and within working hours, with no use of informal platforms like WhatsApp. I maintain open and consistent communication through weekly one-to-one meetings and team discussions, creating space for ongoing dialogue and collaborative support. Expectations and feedback are communicated clearly to ensure alignment on goals and to foster a supportive, inclusive research environment. I’m always available to discuss any personal or academic challenges and will actively support students in accessing further help if needed.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings) I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

The design of fluorescent cobalt antifungals for targeting antimicrobial resistance

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

The design of fluorescent cobalt antifungals for targeting antimicrobial resistance

Secondary Supervisor(s): Professor Peter Sadler, Dr Stefan Bidula

University of Registration: University of Warwick

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Microbiology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Pharmaceuticals)

Project Outline

The global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to public health, with fungal pathogens increasingly contributing to life-threatening, drug-resistant infections. The emergence of multi-drug-resistant species such as Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus highlights the urgent need for novel antifungal agents with distinct mechanisms of action that can overcome existing resistance.

Transition metal complexes, particularly those based on cobalt, have gained attention due to their unique bioactivities and potential to bypass classical resistance mechanisms. Our team has recently demonstrated some cobalt complexes which show promising antifungal activity against A. fumigatus and which potentially have novel mechanisms of action. Building on this foundation, this project will focus on the development of fluorescent cobalt-based complexes to serve both as therapeutic candidates and mechanistic probes.

The scientific rationale lies in cobalt's redox versatility, ability to form stable but biologically active complexes, and its known effects on fungal cell metabolism and oxidative stress pathways. By incorporating fluorescent ligands, these complexes can provide new insights into fungal uptake, intracellular localisation, and the mechanism of action.

The key objectives are to:

(1) synthesise and characterise a diverse library of fluorescent cobalt complexes;

(2) evaluate their antifungal activity in vitro against clinically relevant fungal strains;

(3) use fluorescence-based imaging and biochemical assays to investigate uptake, intracellular distribution, and potential for resistance evasion, supported by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.

This interdisciplinary project combines synthetic chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology to develop innovative antifungal strategies and address a critical gap in tackling fungal AMR.