50 days

 

50 Days In: Applying 30 Years of Experience to Protect Our Rivers

Last week marked 10 weeks—50 days—into my new role, and it’s been an energising reminder of why I built a career in wastewater and environmental protection.

For those who don’t know me, my background is rooted in water science. I completed my PhD in wastewater engineering at Cranfield University’s School of Water Sciences, where I developed a passive electrochemical method to remove pollutants from wastewater. Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked across the sector, always focused on one central goal: safeguarding our environment through better water management.

In my first 50 days in this role, that mission has felt more relevant than ever.

What I’ve Achieved So Far

In just 10 weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to dive straight into meaningful, impactful work:

🔹 4 site visits to understand operational realities and identify opportunities for enhanced nutrient removal.
🔹 15 active projects spanning phosphorus reduction, nitrogen removal, and the optimisation of biological growth processes.
🔹 Hands-on collaboration with teams committed to improving the way we protect and restore our rivers.

Why This Matters

Preventing the eutrophication of our rivers—and the wider degradation that follows—requires innovation, robust science, and practical engineering. Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen are small components in wastewater, but they have outsized impact on ecosystems if released untreated.

Seeing the industry move strongly toward advanced solutions makes me optimistic about the positive change we can deliver.

A Good Use of My Experience—and a New Chapter

It’s been rewarding to bring my academic foundations and three decades of experience directly into a role where the outcomes are tangible and urgent. The work ahead is challenging, but it’s exactly the kind of challenge that motivates me.

I’m excited to keep pushing forward, applying science, engineering, and collaboration to protect the rivers and environments we all depend on.

Here’s to the next 50 days—and many more to come.

50 Days In: Applying Experience to Protect Our Rivers

Last week marked 10 weeks—50 days—into my new role, and it’s been an energising reminder of why I’ve dedicated my career to wastewater innovation and environmental protection.

With a PhD in wastewater engineering from Cranfield University’s School of Water Sciences and more than 30 years in the sector, it’s exciting to bring that experience into a role focused on preventing the eutrophication of our rivers by removing nutrients from wastewater.

Early Progress

In my first 50 days, I’ve been able to make real traction:
🔹 4 site visits to understand operations and identify opportunities for improved nutrient removal.
🔹 15 active projects spanning phosphorus reduction, nitrogen removal, and enhanced biological growth processes.

Looking Ahead

I’m equally excited to be mentoring colleagues—something I’ve always valued in my leadership roles. Sharing knowledge, supporting early-career engineers, and helping teams grow is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Bringing together science, engineering, and people development is exactly where I want to be. I’m looking forward to the next chapter and the positive environmental impact we can achieve together.