DR. STEPHEN SUMMERS

Dr Stephen Summers' main research theme involves the evaluation of biofilms growing on marine structures. This can range from man-made piers and seawall defence constructions, to plastic debris floating in the ocean. The biofilms growing on these types of surfaces can impact the degradation rate of the structures, allowing unwanted debris to degrade to component gases and nutrients, or the biofilms to augment these structures by acting as a foundation for a diverse community to establish and grow.  While he has experience in many aspects of marine science, his expertise is in bioinformatics and ecological assessments of the natural environment. By using ‘big data’ and various technologies, Stephen is able to obtain a far greater understanding of the key mechanisms that are driving the ecology of marine biofilms and the subsequent impacts this may have on the environment.