Dr Mirella Di Lorenzo graduated from the Federico II University of Napoli in 2003. Here, and at the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University of Greifswald, she went on to gain a PhD in Industrial Biotechnology. Mirella has subsequently worked in research and post-doc positions at Newcastle University and the National Nanotechnology Laboratory of Lecce before joining the University of Bath as a Lecturer in July 2011. She is currently the Director of Research for the Department of Chemical Engineering.

Research

Mirella’s interdisciplinary expertise lies at the interface of bioelectrochemistry, microengineering, microfluidics, sensing technology and material science.

Mirella’s work addresses some of the world’s most pressing development challenges, such as the water-energy-food security and global health, by developing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions affordable to all.

Her research focuses particularly on the development of innovative biological fuel cell (BFC) designs for either energy harvesting, water quality monitoring or healthcare applications. Particular attention is given to low-cost designs that can lead to devices affordable everywhere in the world. As such, she explores the uses of recyclable, biodegradable and low-cost materials.

By responding to global humanitarian and environmental challenges, Mirella’s research is aligned with the Global Sustainable Development Goals, and, as such, with the UKRI plan to support cutting-edge research that addresses the challenges faced by ODA countries.

Over the past years, she has built-up a network of collaborations with ODA countries, particularly in South America, where she has carried out a six-month sabbatical during February-July 2018.

Interested in supervising students studying;

• Microfluidics
• Nanostructured bioelectrodes
• Fuel cells and biofuel cells 
• Bio- microelectromechanic systems (bioMEMS)