Sujani Ariyadasa
Sujani is an early-career microbiology scientist in the Water and Environment group of the Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd (ESR) in New Zealand. Her work focuses on the human and environmental health impacts of opportunistic waterborne pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila, free-living amoebae, and Cryptosporidium parvum. Another key area of Sujani’s work involves developing novel, eco-friendly biosynthetic mimics to model pathogen risk in engineered water systems. She is also investigating bacteriophage-mediated biocontrol strategies for improving drinking water treatment. Key techniques Sujani uses in her research include micro and molecular biology, genomics, and biopolymer microparticle assays. Sujani is passionate about applying innovative and sustainable research methods to achieve outcomes that improve public and environmental health.
Long ReadsFree-living amoebae and emerging public health challenges in a warming world
The year 2023 was the warmest since global temperature records were established in 1850. Discover the role of free-living amoebae in the transmission of waterborne pathogens and human infection, in the context of rising global temperatures.
