Research interests
I am interested in algae biotechnology for a variety of applications. To date, I have cultivated algae for a variety of purposes including aquaculture feed, bioenergy, bioremediation of nutrients and heavy metals, CO2 sequestration, and for the production of high-value compounds.
My main role is to manage and authorise the CCAP budget and ensure delivery of contracts, reporting, and bringing in exciting research projects for the benefit of the scientific community. I will also have overall responsibility for the new CCAP-ARIES centre.
I am currently involved in Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture related projects IMPAQT and ASTRAL, where I conduct biochemical analyses on seaweed biomass harvested from our research seaweed farm.
I have previously been involved with the ABACUS project, for which I investigated algae for the production of high-value compounds, including carotenoids and terpenoids, for application in cosmetic and nutraceutical markets. I also worked as a technician on the BioMara project which screened 175 algal strains from CCAP for their potential use as a biofuel.
My Ph.D. thesis, at the University of Edinburgh and SAMS, was entitled “Wastewater treatment by filamentous macroalgae”. This research investigated the potential of Cladophora parriaudii to remove nutrients and heavy metals from wastewaters.
Current projects
Past projects
ABACUS: In this project I investigated algae for the production of high-value compounds including carotenoids and tepenoids for application in cosmetics and nutraceuticals.
Biomara: The Sustainable Fuels from Marine Biomass. Project funded by the EU's INTERREG IVA Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body; Highlands and Islands Enterprise; The Crown Estate; Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment for Northern Ireland; Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources. 2009-2012. I worked as a SAMS technician on this project.
Wider SAMS roles
I am the organiser of the SAMS seminar series.
I am the manager of the Molecular Biology Laboratory and the deputy manager of the Microbiology Laboratory at SAMS.
Peer-reviewed publications
Hofmann LC, Brakel J, Bartsch I, Montecinos Arismendi G, Bermejo R, Parente Cardoso M, Creis E, De Clerck O, Jacquemin B, Knoop J, Lorenz M, Martins N, Orfanidis S, Pompermayer Machado L, Probert I, Rad-Menéndez C, Ross M, Rautenberger R, Schiller J, Serrao EA, Steinhagen S, Sulpice R, Valero M, Wichard T. (2025). A European biobanking strategy for safeguarding macroalgal genetic material to ensure food security, biosecurity and conservation of biodiversity. European Journal of Phycology, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/09670262.2025.2480569
J Brodie, M. Ross (2024) Algae at the interface. Applied Phycology, 5: 162-163. https://doi.org/10.1080/26388081.2024.2425484
Veenhof, R.J., Burrows, M.T., Hughes, A.D., Michalek, K., Ross, M.E., Thomson, A.I., Fedenko, J., Stanley, M.S., 2024. Sustainable seaweed aquaculture and climate change in the North Atlantic: challenges and opportunities. Front. Mar. Sci. 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1483330
Wood EE, Ross ME, Jubeau S, Montalescot V, MacKechnie K, Marchington RE, Davey MP, McNeill S, Hamilton C, Stanley MS (2023) From green to orange: The change in biochemical composition of phototophic-mixotrophic Chromochloris zofingiensis in pilot-scale photobioreactors. Algal Research 75: 103238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2023.103238
Wood EE, Ross ME, Jubeau S, Montalescot V, Stanley MS (2022) Progress towards a targeted biorefinery of Chromochloris zofingiensis: a review. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-022-02955-7
Rizzo A, Ross ME, Norici A, Jesus B (2022) A Two-Step Process for Improved Biomass Production and Non-Destructive Astaxanthin and Carotenoids Accumulation in Haematococcus pluvialis. Applied Sciences. 12: 1261. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031261
Ross ME, Stanley MS, Day JG, Semião AJC (2021) Removal of metals from aqueous solutions using dried Cladophora parriaudii of varying biochemical composition. J Environ Manage. 290:112620. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112620
Novoveská L, Ross ME, Stanley M, Pradelles R, Wasiolek V and Sassi J-F (2019) Microalgal carotenoids: A review of production, current markets, regulations, and future direction. Marine Drugs 17 (640):1-21.
Ross ME, Davis, K, McColl, R, Stanley, MS, Day, JG and Semiao, AJC (2018) Nitrogen uptake by the macro-algae Cladophora coelothrix and Cladophora parriaudii: Influence on growth, nitrogen preference and biochemical composition. Algal Research 30, 1-10.
Ross ME, Stanley MS, Day JG, Semião AJC (2017) A comparison of methods for the non-destructive fresh weight determination of filamentous algae for growth rate analysis and dry weight estimation. J. App. Phycol. 1-12
Slocombe SP, Zhang Q, Ross M, Anderson A, Thomas NJ, Lapresa Á, Rad-Menéndez C, Campbell CN, Black KD, Stanley MS (2015) Unlocking nature’s treasure-chest: screening for oleaginous algae, Scientific Reports. 5
Slocombe SP, Ross M, Thomas N, McNeill S, Stanley MS (2013) A rapid and general method for measurement of protein in micro-algal biomass, Bioresource Technol. 129: 51-57
Other publications
S. Pap, M. Ross, P. Kumari, R. Boyko, M.A. Taggart, Chapter 5 The use of marine biomass in biofertiliser and biostimulant production: Current status and future perspectives, in: R.T. Kapoor, M. Sillanpää, M. Rafatullah (Eds.) Blue Bioeconomy: Value-added Products from Marine Algae and Microorganisms, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024, pp. 84-105. https://doi.org/10.1039/9781837675654-00084
Book chapters
S.P. Slocombe, Q. Zhang, M. Ross, M.S. Stanley, J.G. Day (2016) 4 Screening and Improvement of Marine Microalgae for Oil Production, Microalgal Production for Biomass and High-Value Products, CRC Press, pp. 91-112.
Other research outputs
Genome Notes
R. Allen, C. Rad-Menéndez, D. Green, C. Campbell, F. De Boever, J. Field, K. MacKechnie, M. Ross, R. Saxon, N. Thomas, Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa collective, University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab, Earlham Institute Genome Acquisition Lab and Protists Project, Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective, Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team, Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations, Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team, Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Darwin Tree of Life Consortium (2024) The genome sequence of the chlorophyte Pseudopediastrum boryanum CCAP 291/2 (Turpin) E. Hegewald 2005 Wellcome Open Research. 9:338.
R. Allen, C. Rad-Menéndez, D. Green, C. Campbell, F. De Boever, J. Field, K. MacKechnie, M. Ross, R. Saxon, N. Thomas, Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa collective, University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab, Earlham Institute Genome Acquisition Lab and Protists Project, Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective, Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team, Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations, Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team, Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Darwin Tree of Life Consortium (2024) The genome sequence of the chlorophyte Marvania coccoides CCAP 251/1B (Naumann) Henley, Hironaka, Guillou, M. Buchheim, J. Buchheim, M. Fawley & K. Fawley 2004 Wellcome Open Research. 9:334.
David H. Green, Cecilia Rad-Menéndez, Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa collective, Earlham Institute Genome Acquisition Lab and Protists Project, University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab, Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective, Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective, Tree of Life Core Informatics collective & Darwin Tree of Life Consortium (2023) The genome sequence of Pycnococcus provasolii (CCAP190/2) (Guillard, 1991). Wellcome Open Research, 8:520.
Cecilia Rad-Menéndez, David H. Green, Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa collective, Earlham Institute Genome Acquisition Lab and Protists Project, University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab, Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective, Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective, Tree of Life Core Informatics collective & Darwin Tree of Life Consortium (2023) The genome sequence of the chlorophyte Dunaliella primolecta CCAP 11/34 (Butcher, 1959). Wellcome Open Research, 8:523.
David H. Green, Cecilia Rad-Menéndez, Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa collective, Earlham Institute Genome Acquisition Lab and Protists Project, University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab, Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective, Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective, Tree of Life Core Informatics collective & Darwin Tree of Life Consortium (2023) The genome sequence of the Heterolobosean amoeboflagellate, Tetramitus jugosus CCAP 1588/3C. Wellcome Open Research, 8:513.
I have been involved in several research projects, with industrial partners or of high IP potential. Alongside SAMS Enterprise, I have performed literature reviews, and biochemical analyses on biomass, and submitted tender bids for commercial clients.
Whilst working at the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR), Swansea University, I was involved in Knowledge Transfer Centre (KTC) projects. I provided technical and academic assistance for algal biotechnology related projects, for several businesses and enterprises in and around South-West Wales.
Accessing consultancy services from SAMS
SAMS consultancy work is delivered through its wholly owned commercial subsidiary, SAMS Enterprise.
SAMS Enterprise operates a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) that is accredited to ISO9001:2008 standard, guaranteeing that all projects deliver the best possible service to our customers. All SAMS Enterprise projects are planned by a professional programme manager who oversees a team of dedicated project managers, all of whom are focussed specifically on client delivery, and have scientific experience and technical expertise in fields relevant to their assigned projects.
For further information concerning commercial enterprise opportunities at SAMS, please contact the SAMS Enterprise team by email (info@sams-enterprise.com) or phone +44 (0) 1631 559 470.
Lecturing
Year 2: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Module leader, lecturer, 3 practicals
Year 3: Marine Biotechnology: Lecturer
Year 4: Dissertation: Supervisor
MSc Industrial Biotechnology (University of Strathclyde)
Blue Biotechnology module (hosted at SAMS): Lecturer / practical leader
Restorative Aquaculture (EIT Food) - Lecturer
Algal Biotechnology (EIT Food) - Lecturer
Seaweed Academy courses - Lecturer
I organise and deliver the CCAP training course and bespoke courses (either online or in-person) - see CCAP website for updates.
I have been internal examiner for various UHI Postgraduate students.
I have hosted numerous undergraduate and postgraduate level internships and several PhD student placements/secondments.
Current research students
Anita Luisa Josefina Flores Leñero : Mitigating Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) with modified clay. PhD. 2024-2028. SAMS UHI & University of Stirling
Artemis Eales: Nitrogen uptake by Ulva: influence on growth, nitrogen preference, and biochemical composition. MRes. 2024-2025. SAMS UHI
Alumni research students
Amy MacDonald: Testing methods to determine phototaxis on a cellular level in the HAB forming dinoflagellate Scripsiella trochidea. BSc dissertation. Sep 23-May 24. SAMS UHI
Eleanor Wood: Optimising strain selection and developing a biorefinery for industrially relevant microalgae. PhD. Sep 19-Sep 23. SAMS UHI
Sarah Kate Read: Heavy metal remediation using live algal biomass. PhD. Sep 18 - Sep 22. University of Edinburgh
Pauline Martin: Optimising culture conditions for the rhodophyte Porphyridium aerugineum. BSc dissertation. Sep 21-May 22. SAMS UHI
Claire Garfield: Chemical ecology of the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedra and associated bacteria. MRes. Oct 20 - Oct 21. SAMS UHI
Jacob Wiseman: CCAP is going big! Process optimization of large-scale microalgae cultivation. Ettrick internship. 2021. SAMS UHI
Jacob Wiseman: Testing lipid extraction methodologies on three species of microalgal biomass. BSc dissertation. 2020-21. SAMS UHI
Benjamin Barclay: Screening of diatoms with regards to applications for their inorganic silica frustules. BSc Marine Science. 2019-20. SAMS UHI
Nina Long: Optimizing cultivation conditions for the enhanced growth and synthesis of high-value compounds from micro-algae. BSc Marine Science. 2018-19. SAMS UHI
Arianna Rizzo: Optimization of Haematococcus pluvialis culture conditions to promote astaxanthin production. MSc (ERASMUS+). 2018-19. University of Ancona
Katharine Davis: Investigation into bioremediation and biofuel potential of Cladophora parriaudii. MEng (Civil) University of Edinburgh 2015-16. Katharine was awarded the Galliford Try Prize, an annual award granted to a Civil Engineering student for the most deserving MEng thesis.
Rory McColl: Assessing the bioremediation ability and bioruel feedstock potential of the macroalgae Cladophora parriaudii. MEng (Civil). University of Edinburgh. 2015-16.
External activities
Associate Editor of the Applied Phycology journal
Keynote speaker, eg on algal bioremediation at the EBNet/Algae UK workshop (Oct 19)
Peer-reviewing scientific manuscripts for Applied Phycology; Brazilian Journal of Biology; European Journal of Phycology; Hydrobiologia; Journal of Applied Phycology; Journal of Environmental and Chemical Engineering; and Scientific Reports.
I have reviewed project proposals for various funding bodies (i.e. Algae-UK, IBioIC).
Outreach engagement
Since 2017 I have organised the SAMS Seminar Series, organising more than 200 seminars during this time.
Together with SAMS Communications Department, I helped co-create and deliver the inaugural Wild SciArt event “Art, Science, and Algae”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GauvXTawkzU
I helped support the first Museum of Microalgae (MoMa): https://www.microalgaemuseum.com/
Awards
I was 'highly commended' in the best research or dissertation supervisor category of the HISA Awards 2021.
Professional memberships
British Phycological Society: Member since 2015
Employment history
Since 2024: Head of CCAP & Lecturer in Algal Biotechnology. SAMS
2021-24: Head of CCAP & Senior Researcher in Algal Biotechnology. SAMS
2017-21: Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Algal Biotechnology. SAMS
2012-13: Algal Technician. Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR), Swansea University
2011: Support Scientist - BioMara project. SAMS
Education
2014-17 PhD 'Wastewater treatment by filamentous macroalgae'. PhD. University of Edinburgh / SAMS
2009-10 MSc Sustainable Aquaculture. University of Stirling
2005-09 BSc (Hons) Marine Biology. University of Stirling