Engineering Biology for Cleaner Waters: Synthetic Biology Approaches to Resource Recovery and Bioremediation with Yasmin Meeda
Talk Summary
As global pressures on our water systems intensify, protecting our oceans begins with innovative solutions on land. In this session, Dr. Yasmin Meeda explores how synthetic biology and metabolic engineering are being harnessed to tackle pollution and resource scarcity.
Yasmin will delve into her current research on developing genetic toolkits for resource recovery, specifically the extraction of heavy metals, and the engineering of specialised biofilms for biodegradation in wastewater systems. By transforming waste streams into valuable resources, these biotechnologies aim to improve water quality and prevent pollutants from ever reaching our marine ecosystems.
Drawing on her background in marine biology and gene editing, including her PhD research into the signaling pathways of marine diatoms, Yasmin will discuss how insights from natural aquatic systems can inform the design of engineered biological solutions. This talk highlights the power of synthetic biology to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world environmental resilience.
Speaker Bio
Dr. Yasmin Meeda is a Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Biotechnology at Cranfield University, working at the intersection of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and water systems.
Yasmin’s research focuses on developing genetic tools for heavy metal recovery and engineering biofilms to enhance biodegradation in drinking and wastewater systems. She earned her PhD from the University of Exeter, where she used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to investigate phosphorus-calcium signaling pathways in marine diatoms, research vital for understanding how marine life responds to environmental change. She also holds an MRes in Marine Biology from the University of Plymouth and a Bachelors in Biological Sciences from the University of Brighton.
Beyond the laboratory, Yasmin is a multi-award-winning science communicator. For over six years, she has run the platform @marinebiologywithyaz, where she translates complex biotechnology and marine science for a global audience, advocating for the protection of our blue planet through innovation and education.