Personal profile
Research Interests
As a research microbiologist, my work sits at the intersection of food safety, environmental microbiology, and microbial biotechnology. I am particularly driven by the urgent need to mitigate the public health risks associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the food chain, an issue growing more complex under the growing pressure of climate change and emerging environmental pollutants, such as microplastics and per- and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS).
My research explores how these factors influence the ecology, evolution and transmission dynamics of foodborne pathogens like Campylobacter, with a focus on mechanisms driving the spread of AMR in agricultural and aquatic systems. I employ a systems-based appraoch, integrating molecular microbiology, metagenomics and environmental surveillance to inform risk assessment and sustainable intervention strategies.
Recently, I've expanded my research vision to encompass the biotechnological potential of electrogenic bacteria, microbes capable of generating electricity through microbial fuel cells. I am investigating how these remarkable organisms can be harnessed not only to degrade pollutants and capture greenshouse gases, but to also generate clean, green energy as part of a circular, climate-resilient bioeconomy.
Teaching
I am currently an Assistant Lecturer based in the School of Biological, Health & Sports Science. I teach on several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the School including BSc Biosciences, BSc Biomedical & Molecular Diagnostics, BSc Public Health Nutrition, BSc, Medical Science and MSc Clinical Laboratory Science.
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, The Control of Campylobacter in Irish Poultry
Award Date: 31 Jan 2015
Master, Biotechnology
Award Date: 31 May 2011
Bachelor, Microbiology, University College Dublin
Award Date: 31 May 2010
External positions
Klebnet-GSP Klebsiella Epidemiology Working Group
1 Jan 2023 → …
Bacteria - Topical advisory panel
1 Jan 2023 → …
Frontiers in Microbiology - Review editor
1 Jan 2022 → …
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- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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AI-Driven Predictive Modeling of Necrophagous Insect Life Cycles in Forensic Entomology
Srivastav, S., Singh, R., Shruti, K., Soni, P., Singh, R., Boutaj, H., Mahakur, B., Chattaraj, S., Narayan Korgaonkar, S., Ganguly, A., Koolman, L., Verma, D. & Joshi, N., 1 Jan 2026, Advancements in Entomology. SpringerResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
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Engineering Plant Immunity: Genetic Strategies for Pest Resistance in Crops
Janeeshma, E., Habeeb, H., Shackira, A. M., Jazeel, K., Mitra, D., Rani, A., Azizoğlu, U., Güneş, H., Koolman, L., Semwal, A., Panneerselvam, P. & Xhemali, B., 1 Jan 2026, Advancements in Entomology. Springer, p. 269-279 10 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
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Innovative Approaches to Crop Protection: Harnessing Integrated Pest Management Strategies
Semwal, A., Chauhan, N., Singh, R., Gaur, A., Mitra, D., Koolman, L. & Nurudeen Olatunbosun, A., 1 Jan 2026, Advancements in Entomology. Springer, p. 185-202 17 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
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Beyond Genes: Non-Canonical Mechanisms Driving Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria
Koolman, L., Emenike, C., Mitra, D. & Chattaraj, S., Oct 2025, In: Bacteria. 4, 4, 50.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Characterization of bacterial and fungal populations in retail kefirs in Ireland
Maughan, L., Koolman, L., Macori, G., Killian, C., Fanning, S., whyte, P. & Bolton, D., May 2025, In: Journal of Dairy Science.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile
Activities
- 2 Organising a conference, workshop, exhibition, performance ...
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53rd IFSTI Annual Conference of Food Science and Technology
Koolman, L. (Organiser), O'Neill, G. (Organiser), Alexa, E. (Organiser), Naik, A. S. (Organiser), Frias, J. (Organiser), Kinsella, G. (Organiser), O'Connor, C. (Organiser) & Barry Ryan, C. (Organiser)
22 Jan 2026 → 23 Jan 2026Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Organising a conference, workshop, exhibition, performance ...
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International Conference on Microplastics, Nanoplastics & Human Health
Koolman, L. (Organiser)
28 Aug 2024 → 30 Aug 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Organising a conference, workshop, exhibition, performance ...