Shamil Rafeeq is a PhD student at the University of Hertfordshire and part of the first cohort of doctoral students in the Biodetection Technologies Hub. He completed his bachelor’s degree in biotechnology engineering from Calicut University, Kerala, India, and his master’s degree in marine biotechnology from CUSAT, Kerala, India. Shamil Rafeeq further researched bioaerosols at Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Israel, for one year, gaining experience in bioaerosol sampling and characterisation methods such as qPCR and Flow Cytometry. He spent time at Virginia Tech Research Extension Centre, USA, for short-term training on the inactivation of food pathogens.

What are you working on within the Hub?

Within the Hub, I am developing a novel strategy for collecting and detecting environmental DNA (airDNA) from the air. This involves integrating electrostatic precipitation-based aerosol collection with digital microfluidics (DMF) for sample concentration and purification, preparing them for DNA sequencing. The goal is to enhance the detection and analysis of airborne biological material, enabling a better understanding of disease spread, pathogen transmission, and environmental biological signatures, with applications in smart agriculture.

What is the impact of your research so far?

As a first-year PhD student, I have started reviewing papers and am now working on estimating the efficiency of Electrostatic Precipitation (ESP) in collecting fungal spores. Through lab trials in an aerosol chamber, I am testing the ESP technology’s ability to collect fungal spores of Botrytis cinerea and Puccinia striiformis. This research aims to improve air DNA collection methods for better pathogen monitoring, with potential applications in agriculture and environmental health.

What has been the highlight of your research career to date?

The highlight of my research career so far has been gaining experience in bioaerosol sampling and advanced techniques like qPCR and Flow Cytometry during my research at Technion Israel Institute of Technology. This, combined with my research training at Virginia Tech Research Extension Centre, has shaped my current work in the Biodetection Technologies Hub. I have also gained valuable experience working with various research groups and engaging in multidisciplinary research. I am now focused on developing a novel strategy for collecting environmental DNA (airDNA) using Electrostatic Precipitation and purification of airDNA on a digital microfluidics platform, aiming to improve pathogen monitoring by DNA detection and advance applications in smart agriculture.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside work, I enjoy listening to music, trekking, and taking nature walks. I love travelling to historic places and imagining the stories of those who lived there. I’m also into watching historical documentaries, playing sports, and staying fit by working out at the gym or just getting in some exercise.