When microbiologist Karthika Balusamy joined the RESTART project earlier this year, she joined the microbiology team led by her supervisor Dr. Linda Holland, bringing with her a passion for microbes and a background in biotechnology. Now, she’s playing a key role in developing a biosensor that can rapidly detect E. coli in water. Her work could transform how we protect public health.

From Student to Scientist

Karthika’s journey into RESTART was a natural step. After completing her MSc and PhD in biotechnology, she worked on projects measuring faecal indicator bacteria in water.

“I have always loved working with microbes,” she says. “This project matched my background perfectly, so I felt I could make a real contribution.”

Building a Smarter Sensor

At the heart of RESTART is a two-part biosensor:

• Module 1 gives a quick, early warning signal when contamination is suspected.
• Module 2, where Karthika’s work comes in, provides confirmation and tells us exactly how much E. coli is present.

Her focus is on designing a custom growth medium that speeds up E. coli detection without sacrificing accuracy. “It’s not just about presence or absence,” she explains. “We also need to know the scale of contamination. That is vital for public safety.”

Challenges and Surprises

Biology doesn’t always work on tight deadlines, and that’s been one of the biggest hurdles. “We’ve only had a few months to deliver results, but microbes don’t always follow project timelines,” she laughs.

What has surprised her most, however, isn’t the science. It is the communication. “Working with engineers, chemists, and public engagement specialists means I need to explain microbiology in a way that makes sense to everyone. That’s been challenging, but also one of the most rewarding parts of the project.”

Why It Matters

Today, water safety checks can take days, leaving beaches closed longer than necessary or delaying warnings when contamination is present. RESTART aims to change that.

“With our biosensor, the time lag will be dramatically reduced,” Karthika explains. “That means beaches can reopen sooner when it’s safe, or people can be alerted immediately if it’s not.”

Beyond immediate safety, the technology could also provide a wealth of new environmental data. This will help predict trends in water quality and contamination risks.

The “Bacteria Whisperer”

When asked for a fun nickname to describe her role, Karthika hesitates. But her team has already chosen one for her: “The Bacteria Whisperer.”

“I wish I could actually talk to them,” she jokes. “It would make my job so much easier!”

Life Beyond the Lab

Outside of the lab, Karthika is most at home in nature. She enjoys hiking and rock climbing, hobbies that connect her to the same environment she’s working to protect through her research.

As the RESTART project continues to evolve, Karthika is excited about its potential. “It’s ambitious, but I believe it can make a real difference, not just for science, but for society.”

👉 Key Takeaway:

Karthika’s work is central to building RESTART’s second-stage biosensor, a tool that could revolutionise how we monitor water safety. By combining scientific innovation with teamwork and communication, she’s helping bring us closer to faster, smarter, and safer water testing.

👉 You can also learn more about Karthika’s background and expertise on her profile page: https://restart-sfi.ie/person/karthika-balusamy/