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Tapping on academic experts studying the plastisphere, this event explores the interactions between biofilms and microplastics, as well as impacts arising from such interactions. Join us as we explore the role and influence of biofilms on microplastics, as well as sustainable alternatives to plastics that are currently being explored by the industry.
Speakers
Emily Curren is a postdoctoral research scientist that currently works on coastal marine microplastics. She profiles the diversity of organisms on the plastisphere and on the evaluates the impact of microplastic pollution on human health and food security. Besides microplastics, Emily also works on the genomic characterization of marine cyanobacteria in Singapore waters, focusing on toxic species. Emily is also a committee member of the IOC-WESTPAC Harmful Algal Blooms work group and has ongoing international collaborations with partner universities in Japan and Malaysia.
Dr. Stephen Summers, holds a prominent role as a Principal Investigator (PI) at the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE). Additionally, he is affiliated with the NUS Environmental Engineering Institute (NERI), and is a resident scientist at the St. John's Island National Marine Laboratory (SJINML).
With a profound dedication to the study of marine plastics, Dr. Summers has been researching critical aspects of this field. Over several years, his work has delved into topics such as plastic biodegradation, conducting a comprehensive microbial census of the plastisphere, and exploring the broader implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.
Dr. Summers' distinctive approach includes bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications. Engaging in various commercial projects, he strives to optimize plastic materials, emphasizing the reduction of environmental impacts while preserving functionality. This collaborative and humble approach underscores his commitment to finding sustainable solutions.
In his roles at SCELSE, NERI, and SJINML, Dr. Summers not only contributes significantly to the scientific community but also actively addresses the complexities of marine plastics, offering valuable insights for a more environmentally conscious future.
PhD in biomaterials engineering with 10 years of combined industrial and academic work experience, specialising in biopolymers, biomaterials self-assembly, formulation, and commercialization. Worked for an early-stage biotech startup. Led product development, streamlined core R&D pipelines, liaised with regulatory filling, and built and managed a team. Raise funds for his startup. Author of 6 patents and 4 international journals.
Agenda
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Biofilms on Duty: Unveiling Plastic's Dynamic Cleanup Crew
Stephen Summers10
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Sustainable Solutions: Plant Based Functional Polymers
Amit Kumar KhanBiofilms in a Plastic World: Implications of microbial communities in the marine ecosystem
Speakers
Emily Curren
Research Scientist at NUSEmily Curren is a postdoctoral research scientist that currently works on coastal marine microplastics. She profiles the diversity of organisms on the plastisphere and on the evaluates the impact of microplastic pollution on human health and food security. Besides microplastics, Emily also works on the genomic characterization of marine cyanobacteria in Singapore waters, focusing on toxic species. Emily is also a committee member of the IOC-WESTPAC Harmful Algal Blooms work group and has ongoing international collaborations with partner universities in Japan and Malaysia.
Biofilms on Duty: Unveiling Plastic's Dynamic Cleanup Crew
Speakers
Stephen Summers
Research Fellow at SCELSEDr. Stephen Summers, holds a prominent role as a Principal Investigator (PI) at the Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE). Additionally, he is affiliated with the NUS Environmental Engineering Institute (NERI), and is a resident scientist at the St. John's Island National Marine Laboratory (SJINML).
With a profound dedication to the study of marine plastics, Dr. Summers has been researching critical aspects of this field. Over several years, his work has delved into topics such as plastic biodegradation, conducting a comprehensive microbial census of the plastisphere, and exploring the broader implications of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.
Dr. Summers' distinctive approach includes bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications. Engaging in various commercial projects, he strives to optimize plastic materials, emphasizing the reduction of environmental impacts while preserving functionality. This collaborative and humble approach underscores his commitment to finding sustainable solutions.
In his roles at SCELSE, NERI, and SJINML, Dr. Summers not only contributes significantly to the scientific community but also actively addresses the complexities of marine plastics, offering valuable insights for a more environmentally conscious future.
Sustainable Solutions: Plant Based Functional Polymers
Speakers
Amit Kumar Khan
CEO of GreenitioPhD in biomaterials engineering with 10 years of combined industrial and academic work experience, specialising in biopolymers, biomaterials self-assembly, formulation, and commercialization. Worked for an early-stage biotech startup. Led product development, streamlined core R&D pipelines, liaised with regulatory filling, and built and managed a team. Raise funds for his startup. Author of 6 patents and 4 international journals.