Fiona Stainsby

Fiona Stainsby is a Senior Lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University's School of Applied Sciences, specializing in environmental microbiology and molecular ecology with a focus on antibiotic resistance. She is an active member of the Microbiology Research Group and holds professional recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and Member of the Royal Society of Biology (MRSB).

• Senior Lecturer, School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University
• Member of Microbiology Research Group
• Research focus on environmental microbiology and antibiotic resistance
• Active supervisor for multiple PhD students

Dr. Stainsby's research spans several critical areas in environmental microbiology, with particular emphasis on actinomycetes in wastewater treatment systems, antibiotic resistance in environmental settings, and microbial foaming problems in activated sludge plants. Her work bridges fundamental microbiology with practical environmental applications, addressing significant challenges in water treatment and public health. She has developed expertise in bacterial taxonomy, particularly concerning mycolic acid-containing actinomycetes, and has contributed to the discovery and classification of several novel bacterial species isolated from wastewater systems.

Analysis of Dr. Stainsby's publication record reveals a consistent focus on microbial ecology in wastewater treatment environments, particularly examining the role of actinomycetes in foaming problems. Her more recent work has shifted toward antibiotic resistance in environmental waters, reflecting growing public health concerns. The interdisciplinary nature of her research combines molecular techniques, microbial taxonomy, and environmental engineering principles to address complex problems in water quality and treatment.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Member of the Royal Society of Biology (MRSB)

Dr. Stainsby actively supervises multiple PhD students working on projects related to antibiotic resistance in water systems, biological control of plant pathogens, and microbial applications in environmental contexts. She has secured funding from notable organizations including Medical Research Scotland for projects investigating antibiotic-resistant E. coli in Scottish surface waters. Her research has practical implications for wastewater treatment operations and public health protection, particularly regarding the environmental dimension of the global antimicrobial resistance crisis.

She contributes to the Microbiology Research Group at Edinburgh Napier University, collaborating with colleagues on projects spanning environmental microbiology, bioremediation, and water quality assessment. Her work often involves field sampling of Scottish water bodies combined with laboratory-based microbial analysis to understand the prevalence and transmission pathways of antibiotic resistance in the environment.