Liz Sockett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Liz Sockett
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|
|---|---|
| Born |
Renee Elizabeth Sockett
1962 (age 62–63) |
| Alma mater | University of Leeds (BSc) University College London (PhD) |
| Awards | Daiwa Adrian Prize (2007) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Microbiology Bdellovibrio |
| Institutions | University of Oxford University of Nottingham University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign |
| Thesis | Biochemistry of motility and taxis in purple photosynthetic bacteria (1986) |
Professor Renee Elizabeth Sockett (born 1962) is a leading microbiologist at the University of Nottingham. She is famous for her work on a special type of bacteria called Bdellovibrio. These bacteria are unique because they hunt and eat other bacteria!
Contents
Early Life and Studies
Liz Sockett was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1962. She studied biochemistry at the University of Leeds, finishing in 1983. Later, she earned her PhD from University College London (UCL) in 1986. Her PhD research focused on how purple bacteria move.
Career and Amazing Discoveries
After her PhD, Liz Sockett worked as a researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and the University of Oxford. In 1991, she joined the University of Nottingham. There, she became a professor in 2005.
Her research group first studied bacteria that use photosynthesis. But soon, her interest turned to a fascinating bacterial predator: Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus.
The Predator Bacteria: Bdellovibrio
Bdellovibrio is a tiny hunter. It preys on many types of bacteria. This includes pathogens that cause diseases and are resistant to antibiotics. Professor Sockett's lab has studied how Bdellovibrio invades other bacteria.
Her team found that Bdellovibrio makes special enzymes. These enzymes break down parts of other bacteria. They can even break down the genetic material (like chromosomes) of their prey.
Professor Sockett is exploring how these predatory bacteria could help fight infections. Especially those that are hard to treat with regular medicines.
Fighting Superbugs with Bdellovibrio
Professor Sockett worked with other scientists to test Bdellovibrio in zebrafish. These fish were infected with a dangerous, antibiotic-resistant germ called Shigella flexneri. When Bdellovibrio was given to the fish, it helped kill the Shigella. It also worked with the fish's own immune system. This helped the zebrafish survive the infection.
Her group also discovered how Bdellovibrio gets inside its prey. They found that it creates a small 'porthole' in the prey's cell wall. It then squeezes through and seals itself inside. Imagine a tiny submarine drilling a hole!
Professor Sockett also works with other experts. Andrew Lovering studies the structure of Bdellovibrio enzymes. Waldemar Vollmer studies bacterial cell walls.
Her research has been supported by important science organizations. These include the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Wellcome Trust.
Sharing Science
Liz Sockett is passionate about sharing her love for microbiology. She helps people understand how amazing bacteria are. In 2006, she won the Peter Wildy prize for her efforts. Her lecture was titled Not Just Germs - Bringing Bacteria to Life. She is a great role model for young scientists.
Awards and Recognition
Professor Sockett has received many honors for her work.
- In 2022, she was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This was for her great contributions to microbiology.
- In 2019, she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists.
- In 2017, she became a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology.
- She also received the Daiwa-Adrian Prize in 2007 for her Anglo-Japanese science collaborations.
