Joanna Renshaw

Joanna Renshaw is a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Strathclyde's Faculty of Engineering, where she has been employed since April 2014. A microbiologist and radiochemist by training, she works at the interface of microbiology, analytical chemistry, and radiochemistry with primary expertise in microbial interactions with radionuclides and metals.

Her research focuses on understanding how microorganisms affect radionuclide chemistry and transport in the environment, with applications in nuclear waste treatment and environmental remediation. Key research areas include microbial transformations of metals, interactions of silver nanoparticles with bacterial biofilms, petroleum contaminant remediation, and development of novel methods for limiting radionuclide migration. Her work contributes significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental protection and clean energy.

Renshaw's publication record shows consistent research output in high-impact journals, with recent work emphasizing cementitious waste forms for nuclear applications, hydroxyapatite barrier technologies, and fungal-based uranium remediation. Her research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between environmental engineering, microbiology, and nuclear chemistry.

Scientific Awards:

• BBC Radio Scotland Brainwaves Programme 'Beyond the Bomb' (2019)

Renshaw actively secures major research funding through projects like PANAMA (Plasma Accelerators for Nuclear Applications), VisNET (Virtual in situ networking), and STEM Equals. She collaborates extensively with the Low Level Waste Repository Ltd (LLWR) on cement substitutes for radioactive waste encapsulation and participates in EPSRC Inclusion Matters initiatives. Her work bridges fundamental science with practical nuclear waste management solutions.

Her laboratory research focuses on developing sustainable materials for nuclear waste encapsulation and microbial-based remediation strategies, contributing to safer nuclear decommissioning practices and environmental protection.