Your Journey

My journey began in engineering, working on projects centred around joint prostheses. While it was exciting to refine mechanical solutions, I found myself asking a deeper question — why do joints fail in the first place? I wanted to address the root cause of degeneration rather than improve the end-stage intervention. That motivation led me to join Professor Francesco Dell’Accio’s lab at, where I transitioned from engineering into cartilage molecular biology.

During my PhD, I discovered the critical role of a protein called Agrin in maintaining cartilage health. This insight revealed a new biological mechanism that could protect and repair cartilage tissue. Together with Francesco, I co-founded ReFleks to develop Agrin as a therapeutic for osteoarthritis.

Building ReFleks has been a steep but rewarding learning curve — balancing scientific integrity with the realities of regulation, IP, and funding. It’s been a true translation journey: from engineering principles to biological insight, and ultimately towards a therapy that could make a real difference for patients.

The Power of Community

The community at Queen Mary University of London has been central to my development as both a scientist and entrepreneur. Within the School of Engineering and Materials Science (SEMS), I built the analytical and problem-solving mindset that still underpins my work. Working with colleagues across the William Harvey Research Institute and the Blizard Institute - in particular the Centre for Bone and Joint Health - have provided an inspiring and supportive environment for translational research.

The support of Arthritis UK and Queen Mary Innovation has been equally vital — offering mentorship, resources, and opportunities to bridge the gap between academia and enterprise. This network embodies the spirit of “Together We Build”: a community where engineers, clinicians, and scientists work side by side to turn discoveries into therapies. ReFleks is, in many ways, the outcome of that shared vision.