David McCarthy

David McCarthy is a Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Waterborne Pathogens: Surveillance, Prediction, and Mitigation at the University of Guelph, Canada. His work focuses on biosurveillance of pathogens in urban water systems, stormwater management, and green water technologies. He holds editorial roles at Water Research and Water, and has been affiliated with international research committees. His education includes a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Monash University, 2009), a BEng in Civil Engineering (Monash, 2005), and a BSc in Mathematics and Physics (Monash, 2004).

Research interests span pathogen monitoring, urban hydrology, and novel IoT devices for water quality control. Notable projects include a 3D-printed passive sampler for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance, deployed over 40,000 times globally, and the IoT for Water HUB, advancing sensor technologies and real-time control algorithms. His lab, the Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM Lab), develops low-cost sensors and green treatment systems to combat waterborne pathogens.

• Awards: 2021 Vice Chancellors Award for Research Impact, 2014 Young Tall Poppy Science Award, Trevithick Prize (2014), and Winston Churchill Fellowship (2009).
• Grants & Advising: Supervised 27 PhD and 3 Master’s students, recognized with the 2012 Monash Postgraduate Supervisor of the Year Award.
• Labs/Teams: Leads the EPHM Lab and collaborates on projects like the Sensor Army initiative in Stony Creek catchment.