Katherine Huddersman

Professor Katherine Huddersman serves as Professor of Environmental Chemistry at De Montfort University's Leicester School of Pharmacy within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. As Head of the Wastewater Treatment Research Group, she leads interdisciplinary investigations spanning reactor design, engineering, wastewater analysis, catalysis chemistry, and microbiology through the Centre for Engineering Science and Advanced Systems (CESAS).

Her educational background includes:

• BSc (1st Class Hons.) and Ph.D in Chemistry, University of London
• Further Education Teaching Certificate (City and Guilds)

Huddersman's research centers on micro- and macroporous silicate materials (zeolites) and fibrous materials for ion-exchange, catalysis, and disinfection applications. Her innovative work has resulted in internationally recognized publications and multiple patents that have been scaled to industrial implementation. Her platform technology for chemical wastewater treatment has generated significant industry interest and practical applications across diverse sectors.

Key scientific achievements include:

• Antimicrobial Catalyst Patent US8513303 (B2)
• Rotating Contactor Reactor WO2017046589 (A1)
• Over £3 million in research funding from UK Government bodies and international sources
• Fellowship in the Royal Society of Chemistry
• Membership in EPSRC Peer Review College and EU Research Grant Evaluation Panels

Huddersman maintains extensive industry collaborations, having conducted successful field trials with FCC (landfill leachate treatment), Severn Trent Water (municipal wastewater), Scottish Water (pesticide remediation), and textile manufacturers. Her research group has demonstrated effective treatment solutions for zinc remediation from mine drainage, produced water from oil mining, and textile wastewater, achieving significant reductions in contaminants while operating under ambient conditions with no catalyst deactivation. She actively participates in national and international research evaluation panels, contributing to the advancement of environmental chemistry research standards.