Maria Barrett

Highly motivated and detail-oriented scientist with an advanced knowledge in environmentalmolecular biology.Posses a keen interest in research projects concerning denitrification, soil amp; water quality, plant amp; microbe interaction, impact of agricultural land management practices,qPCR assay development and gene expression, and the persistence of pathogenicbacteria andhuman pathogenic viruses in the environment.Several years of experience in soil and groundwater microbiology, focusing on nitrogen and nutrient cycling in agricultural systems in addition to plant- microbe interactions. Currently examining the ecology of functional microbial communities in contaminated soil, mainly that of E. coli, nitrifers, denitrifers and examining the microbial quality of groundwater and drinking water. Involved in studiesfocusing on the microbial biochemical processes and community dynamics in soils and in aquatic systems.Extensive in-depth knowledge regarding national and international research systems. Through partaking in several training courses I have participated in European technology platforms. I have foreseen key potential research opportunities and assembled multidisciplinary teams in advance of funding calls to ensure a exceptional application was submitted on time.I have over 9 years experience teaching and supervising both undergraduates and postgraduate students in a range of subjects ranging from environmental science and microbiology, biochemistry, engineering and medical microbiology.I have lectured both in microbiology and in environmental engineering and have extensive experiencing dealing with large and small class numbers. To these courses I have added my own unique input and experience in these fields as well as practical lab based experience.I have aided in the design of new innovative strategies to deal with increasing student numbers and implemented these to completion.Specialities: Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Metagenomic analysis, Genetic Engineering, QPCR, Protein analysis, Gene expression analysis,Lab management.

Biogeochemical cycling withinfunctional microbial communities in soil and engineered systems Microbial community dynamics in soils and groundwater Impact of agricultural practices on microbial community dynamics and activity Plant and microbe interactions Examining the persistence of pathogenic bacterial and human pathogenic viruses in the environment WWTP disinfection technologies Monitoring the microbial quality of water Microbial Source Tracking

Research led and research orientated teaching approaches.Aim to engage students through innovative approaches and encouraging intellectual engagement with academic programmes focusing on a range of the following topics:Soil microbiology Plant-microbe interactions Nutrient cycling in soil systems