Damian Rivett

Dr. Damian Rivett is a Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at Manchester Metropolitan University, based in the Dalton Building. His research bridges microbial ecology and clinical applications, with a focus on understanding bacterial interactions, microbiome dynamics in cystic fibrosis, and ecological principles in microbial communities. He employs experimental microbiology and next-generation sequencing to investigate functional processes in diverse environments.

Education:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (Manchester Metropolitan University, 2019)
• PhD in Molecular Microbial Ecology (King's College London, 2013)
• MSc in Forensic Science (King's College London, 2007)
• BSc in Biochemistry (Cardiff University, 2006)

Dr. Rivett's research examines fundamental and applied questions in microbial ecology. Key interests include: (1) Mechanisms of microbial communication via public goods and horizontal gene transfer; (2) Polymicrobial infection persistence in hosts, particularly cystic fibrosis; (3) Ecological resilience in environmental microbiomes (bryosphere, soil); and (4) Impact of CFTR modulators on lung/gut microbiota. His projects span environmental microbiology (e.g., anaerobic digestion, phage resistance) and medical microbiology (e.g., Kaftrio therapy effects).

His recent publications (2023-2025) predominantly explore cystic fibrosis microbiota, revealing trends in: (1) Therapeutic modulation of lung/gut microbiomes by CFTR drugs; (2) Ecological patterns in infection microbiota turnover; (3) Bacterial community dynamics underpinning disease progression; and (4) Functional responses to environmental disturbances. This work integrates clinical microbiology, microbial ecology, and systems biology.

Student Supervision: Dr. Rivett has supervised multiple postgraduate researchers, including completed projects on non-tuberculosis mycobacteria in CF, gut microbiota organization, and seawater impacts on microbial communities.