RESEARCH FOCUS

John’s research is translational and cross-disciplinary in nature which encompasses microbiology, biochemistry, microbial ecology, metagenomics-metatranscriptomics, engineering, and chemistry.  Much of his research effort is devoted to understanding how microbial communities can be managed to remove and recycle value added products from waste, make renewable energy sustainable, and improve human health.  Specifically this work focuses on: 

1. The biogeochemistry of microbial phosphorus and organophosphorus cycling in the marine, freshwater, terrestrial, agri-food and engineered (anaerobic digestor and activated sludge) environments

2. Development of biological and chemical approaches for the removal and/or recovery of high-value compounds from waste eg. phosphorus, ammonia, volatile fatty acids, formaldehyde, herbicides etc)

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

John welcomes applications from prospective PhD students on relevant subjects (see above, and publications section of fuller academic profile for relevant topics). John has to date supervised 15 successful PhDs and currently supervises 12 doctoral students.

Make a PhD Enquiry

Professor John McGrath

School of Biological Sciences 

@Phosphorus_ie

John McGrath is Professor of Environmental Microbiology within the School of Biological Sciences and IGFS and a Director of the Irish Nutrient Sustainability Platform.