Tess Phillips

Biography

I graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Masters degree in Natural Sciences, specialising in Chemistry.  I stayed on in Cambridge to complete a PhD under the supervision of Prof. Andrew Holmes, investigating how palladium-catalysed reactions can be conducted using environmentally benign carbon dioxide as an alternative to traditional organic solvents. 

After completing my PhD, I worked as a medicinal chemist at the Cambridge based biotech company Astex Technology, where I was part of drug discovery teams on several oncology projects. I then moved back into academia, first joining the University of Manchester as a postdoctoral research associate, then Keele, where I was appointed to a Lecturer position in 2013.

At Keele I have used my background in drug discovery to shape our teaching of medicinal chemistry, including the creation of Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry degree paths. I translated to an Education and Scholarship pathway on my promotion to Senior Lecturer in 2023.

Research and scholarship

My research interests build on my experience in synthetic organic chemistry and fragment-based drug discovery and involve the design and synthesis of small molecules with medicinal applications.

In my teaching I am to create authentic experiences in medicinal chemistry for students, using teamwork and technology to involve students in simulated drug-design scenarios.

I am a member if the award-winning Keele TBL group, using and promoting Team Based Learning as a collaborative active learning approach. 

Teaching

CHE-20055: Molecular Chemistry and Reactions

CHE-20081: Principles of Drug Design (module leader)

CHE-30058: Mechanisms of Drug Action (Module leader)

CHE-30060: Topics in Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry

CHE-40048: Advanced Topics in Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry

CHE-30050: Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Research Project

CHE-30051: Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry Dissertation

CHE-40021: MChem Research Project

CHE-40034: MChem Medicinal Chemistry Research Project

EDI

I have been active in supporting diversity and inclusion at Keele since my appointment as a lecturer in 2013.  I have co-chaired the EDI committee for the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences (2017-2022) and am currently the EDI lead for the Faculty of Natural Sciences.  In this role I have:

• Created the Faces of Science installation in the central science laboratories, celebrating diversity in science and scientists.
• Organised promotion support events (panel discussion and writing retreats) for the faculty.

I have experience of EDI charters, leading successful departmental Bronze (2018) and Silver (2024) Athena Swan submissions.