Alex Chalk

Alexander Chalk is a PhD student at the MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, in collaboration with AstraZeneca. His work focuses on the kinetics and safety of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, integrating quantitative modelling with molecular biology to understand how DNA double-strand breaks are generated and repaired. Prior to Cambridge, he completed an MSc in Cell and Gene Therapy at UCL and a bachelor's degree in Biology at Hamilton College.

Alexander’s research centres on assessing the kinetics of Cas9-induced DNA double-strand break formation and repair. His work aims to improve the efficiency and safety of genome editing technologies by quantifying key parameters that govern cellular repair outcomes such as indels, large deletions, and targeted integrations. Using a combination of wet-lab gene editing assays, quantitative ddPCR, and computational ODE modelling, he investigates how repair pathway activation, recurrent cleavage, and cellular heterogeneity shape genome editing dynamics over time. Alexander is also interested in developing computational tools for the broader gene editing community, such as open-source platforms for kinetic data analysis and therapeutic safety evaluation, with the long-term goal of supporting the rational design of next-generation editing therapies.