Environmental Virologist, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University
I competed my PhD in microbiology at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand in 2014. My research focused on the fate and behaviour of enteric viruses in groundwater. After finishing my studies, I was involved in various project that uses viral metagenomics approaches to identify viruses (both known and novel) in various ecosystems. Since 2015, I have been working at the Bangor University, on the Viraqua Project (www.viraqua.uk; 2015-2018) and at the Shellfish Centre (2019-2022) and on th eimplementation of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for SARS-CoV-2 and other viral pathogens (2020, ongoing).
My research focuses on the ecology and survival of viruses in the aquatic environment with a special interest in the fate of enteric viruses. Enteric viruses are responsible for the majority of gastroenteral illnesses globally putting an enormous burden on healthcare systems and the wider economy. These pathogens are often found in water reservoirs (recreational and drinking water sources, shellfish harvesting areas) and hence responsible for water- and foodborne outbreaks. I am also leading the R&D activities for the Welsh WBE programme.
We tested the wastewater from planes to detect COVID among travellers – here's what we found
Jan 25, 2023 04:45 am UTC| Health
Small traces of many pathogens, such as viruses we may be infected with, are excreted when we go to the toilet. Ultimately, these agents find their way to municipal wastewater treatment plants where sewage samples can be...
Tiny laboratories that fit in your hand can rapidly identify pathogens using electricity