My name is Stephanie Boer and I began my PhD at the University of Newcastle in June 2013, under the supervision of Dr Ian Grainge. After completing my Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours Class I), I worked for 18 months before deciding to begin postgraduate study. Work in Ian's lab is multifaceted, however my research is primarily focused around the DNA translocase FtsK and characterising its functional properties through a variety of molecular techniques. Primary focus is on its role during site-specific recombination however, later in my studies I hope to look into its role as a DNA pump at the division septum.