College of Science & Engineering

School/College	School of Engineering/College of Science and Engineering/ University of Glasgow
Email	Erifyli.Tsagkari@glasgow.ac.uk

Research vision

I am a PDRA in the Infrastructure and Environment division in the School of Engineering at Glasgow University. I currently investigate how to optimize and rapidly prototype filter media by using computer modelling and 3-D printing to finally optimize biofilm function in bio-filtration systems. This is important because biofilms play a key role in treating water in bio-filtration systems, and the biofilm morphology and function are inextricably linked to the hydrodynamics of flow through a filter. Through my research, I anticipate that I will keep gaining experience and skills and that I will publish research papers which will help me become an academic in a permanent position with my own research portfolio. My vision is that the outcomes of my research will be applicable to the water industry and will help support efficient and effective strategies to improve drinking water quality.

Through my PhD study at Glasgow University I was focused on the negative aspects of biofilms in drinking water systems (biofilms which cause problems in drinking water quality). Specifically, I investigated the role of physical and biological processes in biofilm formation in drinking water systems using computer programing and microscopy. I found that biofilm formation is triggered by a few key bacteria via aggregation, and that these key bacteria could be perhaps targeted by using predatory bacteria. I anticipate that this could be a beneficial strategy to biologically control biofilms.

Focusing on both sides of drinking water biofilms, my goal is that through my research I will be able to contribute to the improvement of drinking water quality. 

Expectations from collaboration

My plan is to build strong collaborations with an interdisciplinary group of researchers to gain both technical and scientific expertise. Specifically, I am looking for experts in microbiology as this will allow me to work with them on the microbiological analysis of biofilms and especially on molecular biology techniques. Also, it would be useful for me to collaborate with experts in mathematical modelling since I plan to develop a biofilm model that is embedded in my existing computational model. Overall, I am looking for collaborators (microbiologists and computational scientists) with a positive perspective and openness to new ideas as well as with responsibility on the outcomes that should be delivered. Through these collaborations I will be able to contribute novel technologies, to investigate important questions, and to strengthen my international profile.   

Key Skills

• Fluorescence microscopy
• Biofilm Formation 
• Biofilm reactor Technology 
• Cell culture
• Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization 
• Flow visualization  
• Matlab programming  
• SPSS software   
• AutoCAD software  
• 3D graphics software 
• 3D printing software

 

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First published: 7 May 2019