School of Engineering

Staff Profile

Dr Kishor Acharya

Research Associate

Background

Introduction 

My principle research interest lie in conducting cutting edge research using molecular techniques to improve and protect the environment and the lives of people. Recently, I developed novel portable method to identify pathogens in water in near-real time, and tested and validated this ground breaking work in emerging economies like Nepal, India, Ethiopia and Tanzania by collaborating with leading stakeholders.

Expertise and Academic Background

My expertise are environmental microbiology, design of novel techniques for water quality and bio-remediation for removal of organic pollutants.


2006 - 2010 : Bachelor in Pharmacy, Kathmandu University, Nepal
2011 - 2013 : MSc. in Water Science, University of Duisburg Essen, Germany
2014 - 2018 : PhD, School of Engineering, Newcastle University, UK
2018 - present : Research Associate,  School of Engineering, Newcastle University, UK

Memberships

Society for Applied Microbiology (SFAM)

 



Introduction

 

I am a highly motivated early career scientist with a proven track record of conducting cutting edge research in the most challenging environments. I have investigated water quality with portable next generation sequencing tools in unplanned settlements, in collaboration with Ardhi University in Tanzania, and independently in Nepal. I have conceived training materials and delivered practical training of more than 50 students, technicians and researchers in molecular microbiology, both in the UK and Malaysia, and in some of the poorest countries in the world (Tanzania, Nepal and India). I am publishing my research in leading journals (Water Research, Environmental Science and Technology). I am an adaptable and transformational young scientist with an ability to work both independently and in teams, and able to grasp opportunities at the scientific frontier.

 

Expertise and Academic Background

My expertise are environmental microbiology, design of novel techniques for water quality and bio-remediation for removal of organic pollutants.


2006 - 2010 : Bachelor in Pharmacy, Kathmandu University, Nepal
2011 - 2013 : MSc. in Water Science, University of Duisburg Essen, Germany
2014 - 2018 : PhD, School of Engineering, Newcastle University, UK
2018 - present : Research Associate,  School of Engineering, Newcastle University, UK

 

 

Memberships

 

Society for Applied Microbiology (SFAM)

Google scholar

https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=kSr9I_QAAAAJ&hl=en

Research

Research Vision

As a molecular biology research scientist, I have almost six years of work experience in modern molecular microbiology laboratory. I see the huge potential of molecular microbiology tools for characterizing microbial samples on site and in near real-time. My research vision is to develop a molecular tool box which can revolutionize our ability to describe and manage microbial hazards anywhere in the world, including in the food and drinks industry, the health services, agriculture and beyond.

Research Focus Areas

1) Field methods for water quality surveying, including next generation sequencing

2) QSBR modelling

3) Application of molecular tools in chemical fate studies

Currently Involved Projects

  • Water Security and Sustainable Development Hub (Funded by: UK Research and Innovation through GCRF)
  • A framework for sustainable aquaculture within peri-urban green infrastructures protecting the Gulf of Thailand (Funded by: BBSRC)
  • Vulnerability assessment and sustainable solutions for water quality management in the urban environment (Funded by: DST-UKIERI)
  • IMAGINE: Innovative technologies to rapidly survey, map and communicate waterborne hazards. (Funded by: Global Challenges Research Fund & EPSRC)

Previously Involved Projects

  • Global Challenges Academy, (Principal Investigator); On-site microbial water quality surveying of Bagmati River in Nepal with portable molecular tool box.
  • Developing portable next generation sequencing as innovative technology for microbial water quality management (Funded by: Newton-Fund/British Council)
  • Collaboration with China; Enzymatic antibiotics pollution control (Funded by: The Royal Society)
  • Valorisation of agricultural wastes in the Thai rural economy for bioenergy production, nutrient recycling and water pollution in aqyaculture (Funded by BBSRC)
  • Fate and transport of pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants [PhD student placement] (Funded by Newton Bhabha Fund)
  • EPSRC Challenging Engineering - Mitigating the risk micropollutants in the environment (PhD Researcher)

Research Grant

Rapid response call from the Global Challenges Academy  (£5k)

UKRI GCRF Water Security and Sustainable Development Hub Rapid Response Award (£10k)

 

Publications