Michelle Maclean

Michelle Maclean is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering. She conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of microbiology, engineering, and public health, focusing on novel disinfection technologies to combat healthcare-associated infections (HAI). She is based at The Robertson Trust Laboratory for Electronic Sterilisation Technologies (ROLEST), where she leads research on violet-blue light (405 nm) and other electro-technologies for microbial inactivation.

• BSc in Immunology and Microbiology, University of Strathclyde (2002)
• PhD in Light Inactivation of Medically Important Microorganisms, University of Strathclyde (2006)

Her research interests span microbial infection control, applied microbiology, decontamination and sterilisation, and the development of light-based technologies such as 405 nm high-intensity narrow-spectrum (HINS) light. She investigates the fundamental mechanisms of antimicrobial photoinactivation, particularly against pathogens like MRSA and Clostridium difficile. Her work extends to ultraviolet light, pulsed electric fields, plasma, and ozone technologies for disinfection in healthcare, food, and water contexts.

The trend in her recent publications reflects a strong focus on pathogen reduction in clinical and public health settings. Her work combines engineering innovation with microbiological validation, particularly in blood products, medical devices, and environmental decontamination. Key themes include 405 nm light efficacy, far-UVC applications, hydrogel-based antimicrobials, and smartphone-enabled diagnostics. These studies contribute to safer transfusion practices, infection control in hospitals, and sustainable water remediation.

She has received notable recognition, including:

• Times Higher Education Award for 'Research Project of the Year' (2011) for the HINS-light Environmental Decontamination System (EDS)

Michelle Maclean actively supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research projects across EEE, BME, and SIPBS disciplines. She has secured research funding through grants such as the EPSRC IAA project on violet-blue light for blood transfusion safety. Her collaborations include industry partners like Hubbell Lighting, Kenall Lighting, and Linea Lighting, demonstrating translational impact. She also serves as a PhD external examiner, contributing to academic governance.

She is a core member of The Robertson Trust Laboratory for Electronic Sterilisation Technologies (ROLEST), where she leads interdisciplinary research teams focused on developing, testing, and commercialising novel sterilisation technologies. Her lab integrates microbiology, photonics, and materials science to address global public health challenges.