The Oxford Glycobiology Group

1983

Charles received his DPhil in 1989. His thesis was entitled “N-Glycosylation in Mice and Rats”

Charles moved to Toronto to work with Harry Schacter at the The Hospital for Sick Children. He then worked with James Dennis at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute. Here Charles studies glycosyltransferease (gly) genes in C. elegans.

Charles was an avid paraglider and went on trips annually (above is a postcard he sent to the lab while in Switzerland). In 2005 Charles participated in a paragliding competition in Canada near Golden where he passed away on July 30th following an accident.

Charles was not only a brilliant glycobiologist, he was an exceptional mentor and teacher.

As Charles stated, “I aim to empower and enable students to inquire, discover, and above all, to develop a loyalty to seek the truth that transcends personal interest and disciplinary boundaries. I attempt to mentor rather than inculcate, to lead rather than direct, and encourage rather than force.”

Charles was a friend, mentor and colleague to many people - this meeting is an ideal tribute to someone who impacted so many lives.

In 2002, Charles took up the position of Assistant Professor at the University of New Hampshire, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Following his DPhil, Charles helped establish Oxford GlycoSystems, one of the first University of Oxford spin-outs, founded by Raymond Dwek.

Following his DPhil, Charles worked for Oxford GlycoSystems, one of the first University of Oxford spin-outs, founded by Raymond Dwek.