Professor Corrine Whitby

Professor in Environmental Microbiology, University of Essex

My interest in environmental microbiology began in the mid 1990’s at the University of Liverpool with my PhD and postdoctoral position on ammonia-oxidisers in freshwater lakes. I continued my research on the nitrogen cycle at Aberdeen University focussing on soils, before joining Exeter University on an industry funded postdoctoral position investigating the microbial biodegradation of heavy oils. In 2006, I joined Essex University, where my research has centred upon environmental pollution around three main areas:

1) Microbial driven nutrient cycling (Nitrogen/Carbon cycling)

2) Biodegradation of pollutants (hydrocarbons, nanoparticles, plastics, biowaste) and

3) Bioaerosols

I work closely with end-users, particularly industry, and secured substantial funding from UKRI, EU and industry since post, with >60 publications. I have reviewed numerous grant applications and publications and sat on the NERC College Panel since 2020.

In 2007 I founded (and am Vice Chair) of the biennial ISMOS symposium series (International Symposium on Applied Molecular Microbiology in Oil Systems) which brings together industry and academia to showcase new research for the oil and gas sector.

I have extensive teaching experience and am currently the PostGraduate Director at the Essex University. I have supervised numerous PGR students to completion and my current group (of 8 PhD/MSD students) are working on various projects within the field of environmental microbiology.