Sandra Wilks

Sandra Wilks is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton, holding joint appointments in the Schools of Health Sciences & Biological Sciences. She also serves as an IfLS Knowledge Mobilisation Senior Research Fellow in Healthcare Technologies within the Centre for Biological Sciences/Faculty of Health Sciences. Her extensive career at the University of Southampton spans over two decades, having previously served as a Lecturer in the School of Health Sciences (2018-2022), Senior Research Fellow (2007-2012), and Research Fellow (1998-2007) in the Centre for Biological Sciences.

Dr. Wilks earned her PhD in Microbial Ecology from the University of Southampton (1994-1997) following her BSc Hons in Applied Biology from Brunel University (1990-1994).

Her research focuses on biofilms, infection control, and urinary catheter-related issues, with significant contributions to understanding microbial ecology in healthcare settings. Dr. Wilks investigates how biofilms form on medical devices, particularly urinary catheters, and develops strategies to prevent biofilm-related infections. Her work bridges microbiology, healthcare technology, and clinical practice to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare-associated infections.

Dr. Wilks' recent publication record demonstrates consistent research productivity addressing critical issues in biofilm prevention, catheter management, disinfectant efficacy, and microbial transmission in healthcare environments. Her work spans fundamental microbiology, mathematical modeling of biofilm dynamics, and clinical applications in urology and infection control, with notable emphasis on sustainable healthcare practices and pandemic-related microbial behaviors.

• Royal Society Fellow
• Society for Applied Microbiology membership
• American Society for Microbiology membership (since 2021)

Dr. Wilks has been involved in numerous research projects related to biofilm formation on medical devices, catheter-associated infections, and infection control strategies in healthcare settings. Her work often involves interdisciplinary collaborations with clinicians, engineers, and social scientists, particularly evident in her research on pandemic-related microbial behaviors and sustainable healthcare practices.

She leads research within the Institute for Life Sciences Biofilms Theme, focusing on translating basic science discoveries into practical healthcare applications. Her work on urinary catheter management has direct implications for patient care and healthcare policy, including the MultICath Trial comparing different intermittent catheter management approaches.