MEWE11 Conference Contributions – Atlanta,  2025
At this year’s Microbial Ecology & Water Engineering (MEWE11) conference in Atlanta, researchers from the University of Glasgow showcased innovative approaches to understanding microbial communities in water systems.
I delivered an oral presentation on my work with Professor William Sloan on diclofenac biodegradation using droplet microfluidics, where we investigated how different bacterial community compositions and population sizes influence the breakdown of this persistent pharmaceutical pollutant. I also presented a poster on chlorine disinfection, highlighting how slow-growing, chlorine-injured bacteria can experience heightened stress responses and may play an important role in antimicrobial resistance transmission.
Beyond presentations, I took part in a special modelling workshop, where the diclofenac project was used as a case study for exploring new mathematical frameworks to predict microbial pollutant degradation. This interactive session also used research from other participants as case studies to link experimental results with advanced modelling strategies and sparked new collaboration opportunities.
I also had the privilege of moderating Session 9: Biofilms and Biofilters, which brought together researchers Dr Katherine Fish (UK), Dr Sarah Potgieter (USA) and Professor Gang Lui (China) to discuss the impacts of disinfectants such as chlorine, chloramine, and UV on drinking water biofilm ecology. In leading the discussion, I introduced the speakers, guided the Q&A, and posed integrative questions that connected their findings to broader challenges of balancing microbial stability with water safety.
Collectively, these contributions demonstrated how combining innovative experimental methods, modelling, and scientific dialogue can advance decentralised water technologies and provide practical insight into managing pollutants and microbial risks in drinking water systems.
The conference was also attended by Professor William Sloan who gave an oral presentation on his work with Dr Tania Gomez Borraz and Dr Tymon Herzyk on the harnessing of metabolic heat from microorganisms.

Professor Cindy Smith served as the conference chair for MEWE11 in Atlanta, overseeing the scientific programme, coordinating the organising committee, and delivering the opening address to welcome participants from across the international water microbiology community.