Find out more about the pharmacy academic team

Left to right: Martin Howe, Dr. Dilek Guneri, Dr Nathalie Lavignac, Dr Georgina E. Marsh, Carlos Gonzalez and Dr Raja Ahsan Aftab

Dr. Dilek Guneri (AFHEA, AMRSC) Lecturer in Pharmacy 

I’m a molecular and cell biologist originally from Germany, and my path into science has been anything but linear. I started out at the Max Planck Institute for Neurological Sciences as a Research Assistant, where I realised how much I enjoy both research and teaching. During my BSc and MSc in Applied and Biological Sciences at the Bonn-Rhine-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, I juggled two lab jobs, working at the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases and in our university’s Stem Cell Lab. A chat at an international conference brought me to London for my MSc project at the Royal Veterinary College, where I explored how a specific gene knockout leads to stronger bones in mice. That experience first sparked my fascination with osteoporosis.

I then moved to the UCL School of Pharmacy for my PhD in Biochemistry, developing ways to measure the skin barrier function. I became deeply involved in the MPharm programme as a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant and later a Teaching Technician. Everything changed when one of the world’s leading experts in non-canonical DNA structures joined UCL. I joined the group as a Research Fellow working on how unusual DNA structures in the regulatory regions of certain genes are potential targets for treating diabetes and cancer, which led to exciting publications, conference presentations, and new collaborations. It was here that I began exploring the idea that unusual DNA structures, like i-motifs and G-quadruplexes, could be key players in gene networks related to osteoporosis and other metabolic diseases. That idea is now at the heart of my current research.

Teaching remains one of my favourite parts of the job. I’ve taught across pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences programmes, from genetics and genomics to molecular biology and hands-on lab skills. I’m passionate about creating an inclusive, friendly, and engaging learning environment, and I’m always happy to chat with prospective students about our new MPharm programme at University of Suffolk, research pathways, academic life, or careers in Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences.

Dr Nathalie Lavignac, PhD Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

I have a Master’s in Chemistry and Materials Science and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, where I investigated biomimetic polymers for immunoassays. After gaining industry experience in drug formulation and non-viral delivery systems, I spent over 17 years at the Medway School of Pharmacy as a Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology before joining the University of Suffolk to continue my teaching and research. I’ve taught across higher education, covering pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, drug development and emerging therapeutics. I particularly enjoy using active learning, blended delivery, and digital tools to make learning accessible, engaging, and supportive for all students.

My research focuses on nanomedicine, especially polymer- and lipid-based nanocarriers for intracellular delivery. Recent projects include developing nanoparticles and stimuli-responsive systems for applications in gene therapy, cancer treatments and rare diseases. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the countryside and discovering new places.

Dr Georgina E. Marsh, PhD, PGCHE, MPharm, MRPharmS, FHEA Head of Pharmacy & Prescribing

I’m Dr Georgina Marsh, a UK‑registered pharmacist and academic leading the new Pharmacy programme at the University of Suffolk. I trained as a pharmacist at the University of Nottingham, where I also completed my PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, exploring how 3D‑printed surface designs can improve inhaler performance. My current research focuses on making medicines more personalised and effective for patients, using 3D-printing either by producing child-friendly formulations, tailored dosage forms or biomimetic designs inspired by nature. I’m passionate about bridging science, technology, and education to shape pharmacy training that is both innovative and patient-centred.

Alongside my academic career, I’ve worked in industry as a Senior Formulation Scientist at AstraZeneca and held academic posts at the University of Nottingham in Malaysia, and Swansea University. These experiences gave me a broad perspective on pharmacy education and research, and they’ve shaped how I’m building Suffolk’s programme from the ground up.

Having grown up in Ipswich, it’s a privilege to return and lead the development of a course that equips future pharmacists with the scientific expertise, clinical skills, and patient‑centred mindset they’ll need in a changing world.

Dr Raja Ahsan Aftab (Pharm-D, MSc, PhD) Associate Professor in Pharmacy 

Dr Raja Ahsan Aftab is an accomplished academic with a PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia and extensive experience teaching at world-leading institutions including Taylor's University and University of Malaya, Malaysia. His teaching emphasises experiential learning, clinical decision making and the use of innovative digital tools helping students gain practical, hands-on skill for the pharmacy careers.

In his research, Dr Aftab focuses on clinical pharmacy, pharmacoepidemiology, medication adherence, chronic disease outcomes, and digital health. He has supervised numerous final-year and postgraduate students, secured competitive research funding, consulted for industry leaders, and contributed extensively to high-impact journals and international conferences. His work bridges academic rigor with real-world healthcare impact, helping students connect theory with practice.

Outside the classroom, Dr Aftab loves sports and the outdoors, especially squash and hiking, bringing the same energy and enthusiasm to his personal life as he does to teaching and mentoring students.