Facetune_20-04-2022-20-10-48_edited_edit

BoobyBiome was founded by an all-female team of scientists passionate about improving infant health. Founders Dr Lydia Mapstone, Dr Sioned Jones and Tara O'Driscoll have expertise at the forefront of microbiome research and the team are underpinned by world-leading advisors. Driven by bringing scientifically validated products to the wider population, the team are determined to improve health prospects for the next generation.

Meet the Founders

Dr Sioned Fôn Jones

COO and Co-Founder

BSc (hons) Chemistry, MChem (hons) Chemistry, PhD Biophysics

"From the stigma surrounding public breastfeeding to the guilt placed on those unable to breastfeed, our society has failed to support and understand parents. We are here to change this"

Our problem solver and cell expert Dr Sioned Jones has an extensive background in Chemistry and Biophysics, making her a fundamental asset in the research and development of the BoobyBiome. Previously, Sioned has taken an interdisciplinary approach to develop DNA-based nanotools that could measure membrane properties in live cells. Frustrated by the lack of adequate research and care for women, Sioned is now using her renowned expertise to help fill gaps in microbiome research. She is committed to ensuring that BoobyBiome's innovative approach to infant health will be accessible to all parents. When she is not working, she enjoys connecting with friends and playing the piano (she has a grade 8 qualification - what can’t she do!)

Dr Lydia Mapstone

CEO and Co-Founder

BSc (hons) Biological Sciences, MSc (hons) Biotechnology, PhD Synthetic Biology

“In identifying, isolating, and testing the living organisms present in the breast milk microbiome, we can develop novel products to improve the health outcomes of babies with compromised microbiomes."

With a background in microbiology and technical entrepreneurship, Dr Lydia is determined to harness the power of the microbiome to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants. Over the years, she has worked with a large array of organisms, including studying plant roots, using CRISPR to engineer bacteriophages, testing drugs against the tuberculosis bacterium and genetically modifying and cultivating cyanobacteria for biotech applications. Lydia is passionate about creating solutions in the real world for healthcare and the environment using biotechnology, especially in areas which have been overlooked and under-researched. In her free time, Lydia enjoys outdoor swimming and cooking up new recipes.

Tara O'Driscoll

CTO and Co-Founder

BSc (hons) Neuroscience, MSc (hons) Cognitive Science, PhD (pending)

"For so long, the breast milk microbiome has been overlooked. We can't know what we're missing if we aren't even paying attention to it.”

Having recently submitted the thesis for her Neuroscience PhD, Tara is now back at BoobyBiome full-time and is on a mission to create a scientifically valid microbiome supplement. With a background in data analysis and systems neuroscience, Tara is proficient in a number of programming languages and leads the bioinformatic analysis of genome data. Her extensive bench-top and in vivo laboratory skills makes her a triple threat! Intrigued by the power of the microbiome, Tara is particularly fascinated by bacteria diversity found within breast milk. Besides being an overall lab and research wiz, Tara enjoys going out to escape rooms and the weekly murder mystery podcast.

Meet The Team

Megan Powell

Project Manager and

Senior Research Assistant

BSc (hons) Biomedical Science, MSc (hons) Clinical Neuroscience

"It is important to develop innovative healthcare solutions based on rational, rigorous science focused on historically neglected demographics"
Megan’s background in Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, as well as extensive lab experience, has made her an indispensable leader in the BoobyBiome lab. Before working at BoobyBiome, Megan worked in systems neuroscience and investigated how the brain creates and sustains neural maps of space. Megan's interest in the microbiome grew as she discovered the importance of the gut-brain axis. Her current work on expanding the BoobyBiome Library is driven by her passion for increasing accessibility and equality in healthcare. In her spare time, Megan enjoys being an active climate activist and taking photos around London.

Marija Samuchova

Product Developer

MEng (hons) Biomedical Engineering

"For so long, the breast milk microbiome has been overlooked. We can't know what we're missing if we aren't even paying attention to it"

With a background in microbiology and technical entrepreneurship, Dr Lydia is interested in how to harness the power of the microbiome to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants. Lydia is passionate about creating solutions in the real world for healthcare and the environment using biotechnology, especially in areas which have been overlooked and under-researched. In her free time, Lydia enjoys outdoor swimming and cooking up new recipes.

Favourite microbiome fact: Approximately 90% of serotonin is produced in our gut.

“BoobyBiome offered me the perfect job which caters to my passion to develop novel engineering solutions for healthcare."

A recent graduate from MEng Biomedical Engineering at UCL with a minor in Entrepreneurship, Marija is an impressive new addition to BoobyBiome. For her, BoobyBiome's mission drives her to generate innovative technological solutions to improve early infant health and wellbeing. Marija finds it particularly fascinating how impactful the breast milk microbiome is and its effects on the immune system, chronic diseases and mental health. In her spare moments outside of the lab, you can find her Thai boxing or play in a riveting chess match.

Eileen Hahn

Science Communication and Market Research

BSc (hons) Human Sciences, MSc (hons) Bioscience Medical Anthropology

“Everyone’s infant feeding journey is not the same. We must take into account a diverse range of experiences to understand and support parents.”

Eileen, a recent MSc Biosocial Medical Anthropology graduate, has been a fortifying member of the team. Her previous research has taken an interdisciplinary perspective to contested healthcare matters such as infant feeding in public and for women living with HIV. Her enthusiasm for scientific communication in healthcare is fuelled by the importance of championing diversity and accessibility. When not researching topics to create new posts and articles, she enjoys going to human rights protests and baking delicious treats to share with the office.