Spenkelink & Lewis labs

The Spenkelink & Lewis labs aim to develop new visual biochemistry tools to study dynamic biological processes, one at a time and with near-atomic resolution.

Our Research

DNA replication at roadblocks

We use cryo-EM and single-molecule imaging to reveal how human and bacterial replisomes overcome DNA damage and secondary DNA structures.

Mitochondrial DNA replication

We study how the mitochondrial replisome copies its genome and how disease-associated mutant proteins affect this process.

Single-molecule directed evolution

We develop methods for screening and selection at the single-molecule level to evolve new molecular functions with ultra-high sensitivity.

Fluorescent biosensors for diagnostics

We design customisable fluorescent biosensors for rapid, highly sensitive detection of specific biomolecules.

Latest News

24 Jul, 2026 1 min read

Jordan Nicholls receives best talk award at ECPM 2026

Our entire lab travelled to Coffs Harbour for the 2026 East Coast Protein Meeting, where Jordan Nicholls was selected for a best talk award following his presentation.

5 Jun, 2026 1 min read

Callum and Via present at the Single-molecule Discussion Club!

Callum and Via presented their work on single-molecule directed evolution at the Single-molecule Discussion Club.

5 Jan, 2026 1 min read

The lab was awarded an NHMRC Synergy Grant to develop new treatments for ALT cancers

Our lab is part of a multidisciplinary research team awarded a $5 million NHMRC Synergy Grant to develop new precision therapies for aggressive, difficult-to-treat cancers.

28 Nov, 2025 1 min read

Nicholas Kusi-Appauh is a finalist at the Thompson Prize Symposium

Congratulations to Nicholas Kusi for presenting at the Sydney Protein Group Thompson Prize Symposium.

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