As a PhD student I focused on enzymatic depolymerization of synthetic polymers and the production of these enzymes in several organisms. Additionally, we focused on the optimization of these enzymes and studied a variety of optimization strategies. Now I focus on transferring my skills to young scientists as a lecturer within the academic skills team of Biology.

More information about Jo-Anne Verschoor

Brief biography

I studied a bachelor’s in biology at Leiden University (2015-2018) focused on molecular biology and microbiology. During my bachelor, I was chosen for the Students of the US institutes, leaders of Europe program focused on Environmental issues at the University of Oregon. After my bachelor, I followed by the master's molecular genetics and biotechnology also in Leiden (2018-2020). In my final research project, I started focusing on plastic degradation by bacteria. I obtained my PhD in the start of 2026 with a focus on the identification and optimization of these plastic degrading enzymes of these enzymes using different microbial hosts.

Publications