Qualifications

PhD from University of Portsmouth, UK. Studying the efficacy of Cryptosporidium and Giardia protozoan pathogen removal in municipal wastewater treatment systems.

About

Louise leads a team of 12 researchers and technicians at the Christchurch Office who investigate the fate and transport of contaminants from human and agricultural activity in our environment. Her team focused on surveillance and providing solutions to contamination issues using circular economy and 'green/blue' technologies. The team centres its research around harnessing the power of microbes and plants to remove contaminants and improve treatment Technologies in wastewater treatment and "in-field" systems. Louise is an accomplished researcher in environmental microbiology and water quality. She focuses on the intricate relationships between microbial communities and their environments. With a robust academic foundation, she has contributed significantly to understanding microbial processes in groundwater and their implications for public health and environmental sustainability. Louise leads or is an active team member in several innovative projects funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. These include the development of a rapid diagnostic test for infectious diseases in livestock and research centred on cable bacteria biofilm reactors aimed at nitrate removal from wastewater. This research is recognised for potentially transforming wastewater management practices and protecting human and environmental health. Louise has an extensive publication record, including influential journal articles that address critical issues such as the impact of microplastics on aquatic systems, microbial degradation of plastics, and the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in the environment. Her research into groundwater ecosystems has provided valuable insights into the microbial diversity that underpins essential nutrient cycling, focusing on nitrogen cycling. As a dedicated scientist, Louise enjoys sharing her findings through various platforms, including academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Her commitment to tackling contemporary environmental challenges through rigorous scientific research is evident in her collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, ensuring her work maintains relevance and impact in the field. A recent project involved investigating the microbial pathways for complete denitrification to reduce the impact of nitrate in our groundwater systems. Through this work, Louise and her team have identified specific groups of microbes that drive denitrification in groundwater systems through multiple pathways, not just heterotrophic denitrification. Louise is leading a project looking at the microbial and macrofaunal diversity in our groundwater to identify sentinel organisms that can be used as an early warning of changes to groundwater quality and key organisms capable of removing contaminants. The project is also using this information to provide a data-driven predictive model using novel machine learning approaches. This tool will enable the prediction of future impacts of land use change and climate change on our groundwater sources. Louise is the current President of the International Sub-Surface Microbiology (ISSM) Consortia and is a committee member of the NZ Hydrological Society and Water NZ's conference programme committee. Louise is also honoured to be Elected as a member of the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovellers, administered through Water NZ as part of a global group recognising contributions to the water and wastewater industry.

Publications