Water Desalination and Reuse Center
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Research Interests

  • Microbiological and process technological aspects of water treatment and transport
  • Biofouling, biofilms, hydraulic biofilm resistance, biological stability, microbial (re)growth.
  • Fouling control of membrane systems (e.g. RO, NF, UF, FO) and cooling towers. 
  • Sensors and tools for (i) early detection and in-situ non-destructive (bio)fouling/biofilm monitoring and characterisation and (ii) rapid sensitive microbial water quality monitoring.
  • Numerical modelling of fouling and water treatment system performance.
  • Dynamics of microbial ecology of (drinking) water distribution systems.​

Selected Publications

Education Profile

  • ​Ph.D., Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, 2009​

Professional Profile

  • ​2016-Present: Professor, KAUST, Saudi Arabia
  • 2013-Present: Professor (0% position), Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
  • 2011-2016: Visiting Professor, KAUST, Saudi Arabia​
  • 2006-2013: Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
  • 2006-2016: Research Advisor, Wetsus, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
  • 1993-2006: Researcher, KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
  • 1989-1993: Researcher, Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands

Scientific and Professional Memberships

  • ​European Desalination Society
  • International Water Association

Awards

  • ​Waternet Watercyclus Innovation Award, 2011​

KAUST Affiliations

  • ​Water Desalination and Reuse Center (WDRC)
  • Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE)​​