Evelyn Doyle

Professor Evelyn Doyle is a prominent environmental microbiologist and current Head of the School of Biology and Environmental Science at University College Dublin (UCD). She holds a BSc from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and a PhD from UCD. Her research focuses on microbial ecology, particularly in environmental contexts such as bioremediation, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. She has held leadership roles including Head of the Department of Industrial Microbiology, Head of Teaching and Learning, and Deputy Head of School. Her work integrates molecular techniques to study microbial communities in diverse environments, including polluted soils, rumen systems, and agricultural soils.

Education:

• BSc in Microbiology, National University of Ireland, Galway
• PhD in Microbiology (high maltose-producing amylases), University College Dublin

Research Interests: Professor Doyle’s work spans microbial ecology and environmental microbiology, with emphasis on:

• Microbial contributions to nutrient cycling
• Bioremediation strategies for pollutants like phthalates and PAHs
• Rumen microbiome dynamics and methane reduction in livestock
• Climate change impacts on soil microbial communities
• Plant-microbe interactions in agricultural systems

Her team uses cutting-edge molecular tools to explore microbial responses to environmental challenges, including soil contamination and climate variables.

Professional Activities: She has served in leadership roles within microbiological societies, including General Secretary of the Microbiology Society (2013–2016) and Chair of the Irish Division (2006–2009). She also contributed to national and international funding bodies like IRC, SFI, and ERDF.

Teaching & Leadership: Coordinates modules like Genetic Engineering, Plant Disease, and Ecological and Environmental Microbiology. Her leadership in UCD’s science governance includes roles as Associate Dean of Science and Chair of the Science Governing Board (2017–2019).

Labs/Teams: Leads the Environmental Microbiology research group at UCD, focusing on microbial diversity’s role in ecosystem functioning and sustainable strategies for agriculture and pollution management.