Dr Marta Vignola she/her
Research Fellow
Mission Priority Areas
I am very interested in joining the DiveIn CDT project. The strong commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive research environment aligns perfectly with my personal and professional ethos, as I fervently believe in fostering an atmosphere that is inclusive and nurturing for every member.
I am a firm believer that the highest calibre of research stems from environments that are not just diverse, but also inclusive. A team that is diverse in terms of disciplines, experiences, perspectives, and cultures invariably breeds innovation and creativity.
However, it is only when such a team is fostered within an inclusive environment, where everyone is empowered to express themselves fully, that we truly unlock the team's potential.
My research interest lies on the intricate mechanisms that drive microbial communities to form, assemble, and maintain specific functions in engineered environments. My aim is to leverage this understanding to design novel, sustainable technologies for water treatment.
I lead a group dedicated to studying microbial activities in engineered water environments, converting our findings into tools to design and manage sustainable water treatment.
At the crossroads of engineering, microbial ecology, and microbiology, my research is already interdisciplinary by nature. Anticipating an expansion of this approach, I plan to incorporate elements of anthropology and social sciences. I am convinced that understanding societal perceptions is often the key to successful implementation of new technologies, particularly in water treatment.
When it comes to supervision, I believe to be caring and supportive and I cultivate an inclusive and fun environment for all my students.
I currently serve on the EDIG committee within the James Watt School of Engineering, and throughout my career, I have consistently championed the cause of female researchers in science and engineering.
On a personal note, I love to cook and relish good food, while music is another passion – playing the guitar and singing, much to the delight of my neighbours!
