Development of a low-cost and easy-to-use biosensor platform for enhanced wastewater based epidemiology
Supervisors
Prof Damion Corrigan, University of Strathclyde
Dr Veerappan Mani, University of Strathclyde
Dr Deirdre Gilpin, Queens University Belfast
Summary
This PhD project will develop an innovative sensor platform based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) materials for use in wastewater-based epidemiology, with a focus on detecting Escherichia coli and SARS-CoV-2. Wastewater surveillance has emerged as a powerful approach for monitoring public health, offering early warning of disease outbreaks and insight into community-wide pathogen dynamics. By combining advanced materials engineering, electrochemical biosensing, and microbiological expertise, this project aims to create a low-cost, portable, and sensitive diagnostic tool capable of real-time wastewater monitoring.
The student will work within an interdisciplinary team across the University of Strathclyde and Queen’s University Belfast, benefiting from state-of-the-art facilities and supervisory expertise in electrochemical sensing, sensor development, and microbiology. Training will include LIG fabrication, electrode characterisation, biorecognition strategies, and analysis of complex wastewater samples, alongside benchmarking against molecular assays.
Beyond technical expertise, the student will gain highly transferable skills in project management, data analysis, scientific communication, and collaborative research. Exposure to translational aspects of diagnostic technology, including innovation and commercialisation pathways, will further enhance employability. This will leave the student well prepared for careers in academic research, diagnostics, biotechnology, public health, etc.