Driven by curiosity. Driving changeBiography
Professor Graham Christie leads the Molecular Microbiology group in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge. His research primarily concerns bacterial spore structure and germination.
Graham obtained his BSc in Microbiology from the University of Strathclyde and completed his PhD in Biological Studies at the University of Warwick. He joined the University of Cambridge in 2003 as a Research Associate and became an Associate Professor in 2016. He is a Fellow and Tutor of Discipline at Peterhouse, Cambridge, where he also serves as Director of Studies in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.
Research interests
- Bacterial spore structure and germination
- Structural biology (protein crystallography)
- Coronavirus testing and inactivation
Dr Christie’s group is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of spore germination, which dormant spores undergo when stimulated to return to the vegetative state. They are also interested in the composition and assembly of the spore coat and exosporium, and aim to define the structures and functions of the various proteins that form this primary protective barrier.
Awards and achievements
- Fellow – Peterhouse, Cambridge
Teaching and supervision
Dr Christie teaches a number of modules and programmes across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These include Bioprocessing and Biochemical Product Design modules, as well as core lectures for the MPhil in Biotechnology.
He is Director of Studies in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Peterhouse.
Professor Graham Christie
Professor
Molecular Microbiology research group leader