Dr Reanne Marshall

Dr Reanne Marshall

Department of Biomedical Sciences
Assistant Professor in Biomedical Sciences

Contact details

Address
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
UK

Reanne has over 25 years of experience working with free-living amoebae, with particular expertise in Acanthamoeba and Naegleria spp.

Her current roles include:

  • Teaching on the Biomedical Sciences undergraduate programme at the University of Birmingham.
  • Deputy Director of FLAmicro, a specialist microbiology operating division within University of Birmingham Enterprise.
  • Supporting academic and commercial clients through laboratory testing and consultancy focused on free-living amoebae.
  • Supervising PhD students.

Qualifications

  • PhD in Microbiology, 2004 – University of Leicester
  • BSc (Hons) in Cell Biology, 1999 – University of Leicester

Biography

Reanne's research interests focus on free-living amoebae, particularly Acanthamoeba and Naegleria spp., both of which are found in the environment and can cause serious human infections.

Reanne has worked extensively with free-living amoebae, collaborating with academic and industrial partners to develop improved methods for their detection, control, and prevention. Much of her research has focused on the role of Acanthamoeba in contact lens-related infections and the evaluation of contact lens care products against amoebae and other microbial contaminants.

Reanne's interests include:

  • Developing and evaluating effective disinfection systems for contact lens care products.
  • Improving laboratory methods for assessing antimicrobial efficacy against free-living amoebae.
  • Supporting the development of standards and testing protocols for products associated with water and contact lens use.
  • Understanding the ecology, survival, and pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba and Naegleria spp.
  • Investigating strategies to prevent amoebae-associated infections and improve public health outcomes.

Teaching

Reanne teaches on the undergraduate Biomedical sciences BSc including practical skills and small group teaching.

Research

Reanne is currently supervising a PhD student with research including the development of rapid diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis, and optimising drug delivery for amoeba infections.