Dr Andrew Ward

Personal statement

My research is focused upon the development and implementation of extremely low-cost sensors systems for use in environmental, agricultural and public health arenas.  I am particularly interested in how these sensors can be developed for widespread use in low resource environments by developing solutions that recognise the needs of stakeholders and the infrastructure available in-country to achieve widespread use. This technology has the potential to address global challenges and lead to a more equitable world, by helping to address Sustainable Development Goals and the more effective use of natural resources.  The technical approach to this focuses upon electrochemical sensors, particularly biosensors.  These can be manufactured at very low cost with high sensitivities for specific analyates and my group focuses upon the development of both sensor and associated instrumentation.

Example ongoing projects include:

• Development of low-cost soil fertility sensors for use by smallholder farmers.
• Low-cost platforms to detect the presence of antimicrobial residues within milk in real time.
• Sensors for the identification of pathogenic bacteria in rainwater harvesting systems in Madagascar.
• On-site identification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in Low-Middle Income Countries.

I also collaborate an industry focused agricultural KTP project, and projects on the use of biosensing technology for construction and geotechnical applications.

Prior to my research career, I worked on complex systems integration in the defence sector, where I carried out my apprenticeship.  The engineering, project and people management skills from this experience greatly enhance and contribute to my current role as a PI.

Links:

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