Katherine Fish

Dr. Katherine Fish is a Research Fellow in Water Systems Microbiology at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Sheffield. She holds a PhD in Civil and Structural Engineering (2013) and an MSc in Biological Science (2009) from the same institution.

• PhD: The impact of hydraulic regime upon biofilms in drinking water distribution systems, University of Sheffield.
• MSc: First-Class Honours in Biological Science, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield.

Her research focuses on applied environmental microbiology, particularly the microbial ecology of natural and engineered environments. Key areas include:

• Biofilm formation, mobilisation, and stability in drinking water systems
• Interdisciplinary approaches to biofilm management and water quality
• Microbial community responses to disinfection practices
• Impacts of hydraulic regimes and chemical treatments on biofilms
• Public health implications of biofilm dynamics

She collaborates with industry partners such as AkzoNobel, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, and South Staffs Water on projects like Managing Aquatic Biofilms via Surface Manipulation (funded by NBIC, BBSRC) and Biomonitoring. Her work also contributes to EPSRC-funded initiatives including TWENTY65, Sheffield Water Centre, PODDS, Pipe Dreams, and Pennine Water Group.

Her publications span topics like Pseudomonas aeruginosa interactions in biofilms, disinfection residual behaviour, microplastic contamination in aquatic systems, and climate change impacts on water infrastructure. These studies integrate biological, chemical, and physical analyses to enhance water system management.

Contact: k.fish@sheffield.ac.uk | ORCID | LinkedIn