Andrew Dean

Dr Andrew Dean is a Senior Lecturer in Aquatic and Microbial Biology at Manchester Metropolitan University (since 2018). He holds a BSc in Applied Physics, MSc in Pollution and Environmental Control (University of Manchester), and a PhD investigating phytoplankton succession in Rostherne Mere and Hollingworth Lake. His postdoctoral work focused on algal physiology and molecular biology before transitioning to academic roles at the University of Sheffield (2014–2016) and MMU (2016 onwards).

His research integrates field and lab-based approaches, emphasizing interdisciplinary methods such as molecular biology, metabolomics, and genetic modification. Key interests include lake/river ecology, algal biotechnology applications (e.g., biofuels), and acid mine drainage mitigation. His teaching emphasizes active learning, with courses like Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Frontiers in Biotechnology using real-world problem-solving assessments like grant proposals and consultancy reports.

Dr Dean supervises PhD and MRes students, including current advisees Comfort Chinyere Anyanwu (Anammox wastewater treatment), Sam Dronfield (sustainable moss culturing), and Anosh Wandre (microbial fuel cells). Past students include Saule Akhmetkaliyeva (glacier carbon release) and Lewis Browett (plant-microbial communities).

His research outputs span microbial community dynamics in deglaciated regions, wetland restoration, and algal-based bioremediation. Recent work highlights include the role of organic acids in acid mine drainage mitigation and the application of photocatalytic coatings to suppress cyanobacteria.

Teaching innovations include practical labs on foodborne pathogens and project-based assessments linking research to industrial challenges. His work bridges environmental science, microbiology, and engineering, addressing pressing issues like climate change impacts, pollution remediation, and sustainable biotechnology.