Profile
Dr Laura Newsome
Senior Lecturer in Applied Geomicrobiology
Telephone: 01326 259018
Twitter: @Laura_Newsome
Research group: http://blogs.exeter.ac.uk/em3group/
Research
I am a geomicrobiologist interested in understanding the behaviour of contaminants and metals in the environment, and how microorganisms can be used for bioremediation and bioprocessing applications. My research is interdisciplinary and incorporates microbiology, mineralogy and geochemistry to develop new insights into biogeochemical metal cycling in natural and engineered environments.
My research interests range from the nanoscale to the field scale. I use cutting edge microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to investigate the mechanisms by which microorganisms interact with metals and minerals. I work with samples that are naturally rich in metals and samples from metal-impacted environments, characterising their microbial communities and investigating how microbial processes can mobilise, redistribute and sequester metals. I’m also interested in exploring how we can use microorganisms to help recover metals from ore deposits.
I joined the Environment & Sustainability Institute and Camborne School of Mines in October 2018.
Publications
My Google Scholar Profile
Biography
2017 – 2018 Research fellow, University of Manchester
2015 – 2017 Research associate, University of Manchester
2011 – 2015 PhD Geomicrobiology & Biogeochemistry, University of Manchester
2009 – 2011 Radioactive substances & chemicals scientist, Environment Agency
2008 – 2009 Environmental consultant, WYG
2005 – 2008 Environmental consultant, URS
2001 – 2005 MGeol Environmental Geology, University of Leeds
Opportunities
If you’re interested in research collaboration, a PhD or an MSc, please do get in touch. Happy to discuss research projects on biogeochemical cycling, microbe-metal interactions - especially e-tech elements, subsurface microbiology, bioremediation and much more!
For an example of a PhD project currently available for self-funded students "Impacts of weathering, redox cycling and microbial activity on the formation of kaolinite (china clay)" please see http://blogs.exeter.ac.uk/em3group/2020/04/28/kaolinitephd/