Tony Gutierrez

Tony Gutierrez is an Associate Professor in Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology at the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University. He holds a PhD and BSc (Honours 1st Class) from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. His research focuses on microbial ecology, marine biopolymers, bacterial taxonomy, and oil degradative processes, particularly in the context of marine pollution and bioremediation.

Education:

• PhD (1995–1999): Microbiology & Immunology, UNSW Sydney
• BSc (Honours 1st Class) (1990–1994): Microbiology & Immunology, UNSW Sydney

Research Interests:

• Microbial responses to oil spills and hydrocarbon degradation
• Bioremediation strategies for marine environments
• Marine microbial communities and their roles in pollutant degradation
• Exopolysaccharides and biosurfactants in biotechnology

Recent work emphasizes microbial interactions with microplastics, genetic mechanisms in PAH degradation, and the application of engineering biology for environmental solutions. His studies on marine oil snow formation and bacterial community dynamics in polluted ecosystems highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining microbiology, chemistry, and environmental science.

Advising & Grants: Supervises undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students in microbial ecology projects. Actively reviews PhD vivas and contributes to international scientific associations. No specific grants listed in the provided text.

Labs/Teams: Member of the Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering and leads research in microbial ecology at Heriot-Watt University.