Institute of Life Science 1 internal Atrium view up

Dr Geertje Van Keulen

Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences

+44 (0) 1792 602669

g.van.keulen@swansea.ac.uk

Academic Office - 504
Fifth Floor
Institute of Life Science 1
Singleton Campus

Available For Postgraduate Supervision

Research Links

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6044-1575

ResearchGate

Google Scholar

About

Dr Geertje Van Keulen (she/her) is Associate Professor in Microbial Biochemistry in the Institute of Life Science at Swansea University.

She leads interdisciplinary research and innovation teams with microbiology at its core, expanding understanding into and sustainably exploiting the chemical and material properties of microbes in living, manufactured and natural (soil) environments. Her research links antibiotics, water repellency and materials, thereby switching focus between microbial to manufactured to soils with insights generated in one discipline quickly applied to another, and back, for generating step changes in knowledge and sustainable innovation. She is on the Academic Career Pathway in Enhanced Innovation and Engagement.

Geertje furthermore collaborates with hundreds of women in STEMM, especially through the public engagement and gender equality activities that she leads through Soapbox Science Swansea.

Visit her individual lab page.

Areas Of Expertise

Interdisciplinary Science
Microbial (Soil) Biochemistry and Physiology
Biomaterials: Anticorrosion/Antibiofilm/Nanoadhesives
Metals & AMR in soils
Surface and Soil Water Repellency
Metabolic Engineering (Primary/C1/ Specialized Metabolism & Antibiotics)

Career Highlights

Teaching Interests

Geertje lectures on the Genetics and Biochemistry BSc and MSci degree programmes. Specifically, her research-informed teaching leads/contributes to modules on Advanced Metabolism (coordinator), Microbiology, Metabolic Regulation & Enzymology, Biotechnology & Protein Engineering, and Energy and Metabolism: The Reactions of Life.

Geertje is furthermore training (Medical) Biochemistry students to develop their skills and competencies in numeracy, chemical data, literature surveying and research throughout the years of study and during their final year research projects.

Research Award Highlights Collaborations

Publications

Research Highlights

Quinn, G., Abdel Hameed, A., Banat, I., Berrar, D., Doerr, S., Dudley, E., Francis, L., Gazze, S., Hallin, I., Matthews, G., Swain, M., Whalley, W., & Van Keulen, G. (2022). Complementary protein extraction methods increase the identification of the Park Grass Experiment metaproteome. Applied Soil Ecology, 173, 104388
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2022.104388, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59232
Van Keulen, G. (2021). Microbiology challenges and opportunities in soil health. Microbiology, 167, 1-4.
https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.001001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55888
Townsend, R., Van Keulen, G., Desbrow, C., & Godfrey, R. (2020). An investigation of the utility of QuEChERS for extracting acid, base, neutral and amphiphilic species from example environmental and clinical matrices. Analytical Science Advances, 1(3), 152-160.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ansa.202000018, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54329
Gazze, S., Hallin, I., Quinn, G., Dudley, E., Matthews, G., Rees, P., Van Keulen, G., Doerr, S., & Francis, L. (2018). Organic matter identifies the nano-mechanical properties of native soil aggregates. Nanoscale, 10(2), 520-525.
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR07070E, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa37598
Gazze, S., Francis, L., & Van Keulen, G. (2016). The integration of nanoscale imaging and quantitation of nanomechanical properties in microbiology. Microbiology Today, 43(3), 106-109.
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31112
http://www.microbiologysociety.org/download.cfm/docid/DFEBB0D8-1EE1-49F2-9ED645EB0C7EB7A7
Van Keulen, G. (2016). From nostrils to crocodile blood – ten surprising places to look for antibiotics
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31113
https://theconversation.com/from-nostrils-to-crocodile-blood-ten-surprising-places-to-look-for-antibiotics-63236#
Van Keulen, G. & Hallin, I. (2015). Microbial modulation of soil ecosystem processes. Microbiology Today, 42(2), 62-65.
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31111
http://www.microbiologysociety.org/publications/microbiology-today/forthcoming-issues.cfm/publication/future-tech/article/A008E00A-4540-46BB-B627446676EC8FB4
Kämpfer, P., Glaeser, S., Parkes, L., Van Keulen, G., & Dyson, P. (2014). The Family Streptomycetaceae. The Prokaryotes (pp. 889-1010). Springer
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-30138-4_184, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19379
http://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-3-642-30138-4_184
Van Keulen, G. & Dyson, P. (2014). Production of Specialized Metabolites by Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2). (pp. 217-266). Elsevier Inc
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-800259-9.00006-8, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa18259
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128002599000068
Pachebat, J., Keulen, G., Whitten, M., Girdwood, S., Sol, R., Dyson, P., Facey, P., Dyson, P., Walker, M., Del Sol Abascal, R., Van Keulen, G., & Facey, P. (2013). Draft Genome Sequence of Rhodococcus rhodnii Strain LMG5362, a Symbiont of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae), the Principle Vector of Trypanosoma cruzi. Genome Announcements, 1(3), e00329-13-e00329-13.
https://doi.org/10.1128/genomeA.00329-13, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa14827
Bond, A., Bodger, O., Skibinski, D., Jones, D., Restall, C., Dudley, E., Keulen, G., Jones, H., & Van Keulen, G. (2013). Negatively-Marked MCQ Assessments That Reward Partial Knowledge Do Not Introduce Gender Bias Yet Increase Student Performance and Satisfaction and Reduce Anxiety. PLoS ONE, 8(2)
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0055956, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa14174
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0055956
Corradi, N., Liman, R., Facey, P., Keulen, G., Dyson, P., Sol, R., Del Sol Abascal, R., & Van Keulen, G. (2013). A Laterally Acquired Galactose Oxidase-Like Gene Is Required for Aerial Development during Osmotic Stress in Streptomyces coelicolor. PLoS ONE, 8(1), e54112
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0054112, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa13761
keulen, G., Siebring, J., Dijkhuizen, L., & Van Keulen, G. (2011). Central Carbon Metabolic Pathways in Streptomyces. Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (pp. 105-123). Caister Academic Press
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa12932
http://www.horizonpress.com/streptomyces
Fischer, M., Alderson, J., Keulen, G., White, J., Sawers, R., & Van Keulen, G. (2010). The obligate aerobe Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) synthesizes three active respiratory nitrate reductases. Microbiology, 156(10), 3166-3179.
https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.042572-0, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9995
http://mic.sgmjournals.org/content/156/10/3166.long
Borodina, I., Siebring, J., Zhang, J., Smith, C., Keulen, G., Dijkhuizen, L., Nielsen, J., & Van Keulen, G. (2008). Antibiotic overproduction in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) mediated by phosphofructokinase deletion. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 283(37), 25186-25199.
https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M803105200, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9996
http://www.jbc.org/content/283/37/25186
Keulen, G., Alderson, J., White, J., Sawers, R., & Van Keulen, G. (2007). The obligate aerobic actinomycete Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) survives extended periods of anaerobic stress. Environmental Microbiology, 9(12), 3143-3149.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01433.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa1507
Keulen, G., Hopwood, D., Dijkhuizen, L., Sawers, R., & Van Keulen, G. (2005). Gas vesicles in actinomycetes: old buoys in novel habitats?. Trends in Microbiology, 13(8), 350-354.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2005.06.006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa1510
Keulen, G., Jonkers, H., Claessen, D., Dijkhuizen, L., Wosten, H., & Van Keulen, G. (2003). Differentiation and Anaerobiosis in Standing Liquid Cultures of Streptomyces coelicolor. Journal of Bacteriology, 185(4), 1455-1458.
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.185.4.1455-1458.2003, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa1508
Keulen, G., Ridder, A., Dijkhuizen, L., Meijer, W., & Van Keulen, G. (2003). Analysis of DNA Binding and Transcriptional Activation by the LysR-Type Transcriptional Regulator CbbR of Xanthobacter flavus. Journal of Bacteriology, 185(4), 1245-1252.
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.185.4.1245-1252.2003, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa1509
Allen, G., Griffin, S., Clifford, B., Phillips, C., Van Keulen, G., & Clifford, B. (2019). Development of bio-inspired protein-based materials as novel transparent adhesives for glass laminates. Access Microbiology, 1(1A)
https://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.ac2019.po0512, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa53290
Godfrey, R., Dunscombe, J., Gravell, A., Hunter, A., Barrow, M., Van Keulen, G., Desbrow, C., & Townsend, R. (2022). Use of QuEChERS as a manual and automated high-throughput protocol for investigating environmental matrices. Chemosphere, 308, 136313
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136313, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61153

All Research

Journal Articles

Godfrey, R., Dunscombe, J., Gravell, A., Hunter, A., Barrow, M., Van Keulen, G., Desbrow, C., & Townsend, R. (2022). Use of QuEChERS as a manual and automated high-throughput protocol for investigating environmental matrices. Chemosphere, 308, 136313
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136313, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61153
Quinn, G., Abdel Hameed, A., Banat, I., Berrar, D., Doerr, S., Dudley, E., Francis, L., Gazze, S., Hallin, I., Matthews, G., Swain, M., Whalley, W., & Van Keulen, G. (2022). Complementary protein extraction methods increase the identification of the Park Grass Experiment metaproteome. Applied Soil Ecology, 173, 104388
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2022.104388, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59232
Van Keulen, G. (2021). Microbiology challenges and opportunities in soil health. Microbiology, 167, 1-4.
https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.001001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55888
Townsend, R., Van Keulen, G., Desbrow, C., & Godfrey, R. (2020). An investigation of the utility of QuEChERS for extracting acid, base, neutral and amphiphilic species from example environmental and clinical matrices. Analytical Science Advances, 1(3), 152-160.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ansa.202000018, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54329
Allen, G., Griffin, S., Clifford, B., Phillips, C., Van Keulen, G., & Clifford, B. (2019). Development of bio-inspired protein-based materials as novel transparent adhesives for glass laminates. Access Microbiology, 1(1A)
https://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.ac2019.po0512, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa53290
Gazze, S., Hallin, I., Quinn, G., Dudley, E., Matthews, G., Rees, P., Van Keulen, G., Doerr, S., & Francis, L. (2018). Organic matter identifies the nano-mechanical properties of native soil aggregates. Nanoscale, 10(2), 520-525.
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR07070E, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa37598
Gazze, S., Francis, L., & Van Keulen, G. (2016). The integration of nanoscale imaging and quantitation of nanomechanical properties in microbiology. Microbiology Today, 43(3), 106-109.
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31112
http://www.microbiologysociety.org/download.cfm/docid/DFEBB0D8-1EE1-49F2-9ED645EB0C7EB7A7
Van Keulen, G. & Hallin, I. (2015). Microbial modulation of soil ecosystem processes. Microbiology Today, 42(2), 62-65.
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31111
http://www.microbiologysociety.org/publications/microbiology-today/forthcoming-issues.cfm/publication/future-tech/article/A008E00A-4540-46BB-B627446676EC8FB4
Pachebat, J., Keulen, G., Whitten, M., Girdwood, S., Sol, R., Dyson, P., Facey, P., Dyson, P., Walker, M., Del Sol Abascal, R., Van Keulen, G., & Facey, P. (2013). Draft Genome Sequence of Rhodococcus rhodnii Strain LMG5362, a Symbiont of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae), the Principle Vector of Trypanosoma cruzi. Genome Announcements, 1(3), e00329-13-e00329-13.
https://doi.org/10.1128/genomeA.00329-13, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa14827
Bond, A., Bodger, O., Skibinski, D., Jones, D., Restall, C., Dudley, E., Keulen, G., Jones, H., & Van Keulen, G. (2013). Negatively-Marked MCQ Assessments That Reward Partial Knowledge Do Not Introduce Gender Bias Yet Increase Student Performance and Satisfaction and Reduce Anxiety. PLoS ONE, 8(2)
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0055956, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa14174
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0055956
Corradi, N., Liman, R., Facey, P., Keulen, G., Dyson, P., Sol, R., Del Sol Abascal, R., & Van Keulen, G. (2013). A Laterally Acquired Galactose Oxidase-Like Gene Is Required for Aerial Development during Osmotic Stress in Streptomyces coelicolor. PLoS ONE, 8(1), e54112
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0054112, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa13761
Fischer, M., Alderson, J., Keulen, G., White, J., Sawers, R., & Van Keulen, G. (2010). The obligate aerobe Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) synthesizes three active respiratory nitrate reductases. Microbiology, 156(10), 3166-3179.
https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.042572-0, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9995
http://mic.sgmjournals.org/content/156/10/3166.long
Borodina, I., Siebring, J., Zhang, J., Smith, C., Keulen, G., Dijkhuizen, L., Nielsen, J., & Van Keulen, G. (2008). Antibiotic overproduction in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) mediated by phosphofructokinase deletion. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 283(37), 25186-25199.
https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M803105200, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9996
http://www.jbc.org/content/283/37/25186
Keulen, G., Alderson, J., White, J., Sawers, R., & Van Keulen, G. (2007). The obligate aerobic actinomycete Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) survives extended periods of anaerobic stress. Environmental Microbiology, 9(12), 3143-3149.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01433.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa1507
Keulen, G., Hopwood, D., Dijkhuizen, L., Sawers, R., & Van Keulen, G. (2005). Gas vesicles in actinomycetes: old buoys in novel habitats?. Trends in Microbiology, 13(8), 350-354.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2005.06.006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa1510
Keulen, G., Jonkers, H., Claessen, D., Dijkhuizen, L., Wosten, H., & Van Keulen, G. (2003). Differentiation and Anaerobiosis in Standing Liquid Cultures of Streptomyces coelicolor. Journal of Bacteriology, 185(4), 1455-1458.
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.185.4.1455-1458.2003, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa1508
Keulen, G., Ridder, A., Dijkhuizen, L., Meijer, W., & Van Keulen, G. (2003). Analysis of DNA Binding and Transcriptional Activation by the LysR-Type Transcriptional Regulator CbbR of Xanthobacter flavus. Journal of Bacteriology, 185(4), 1245-1252.
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.185.4.1245-1252.2003, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa1509

Book Chapters

Kämpfer, P., Glaeser, S., Parkes, L., Van Keulen, G., & Dyson, P. (2014). The Family Streptomycetaceae. The Prokaryotes (pp. 889-1010). Springer
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-30138-4_184, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19379
http://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-3-642-30138-4_184
Van Keulen, G. & Dyson, P. (2014). Production of Specialized Metabolites by Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2). (pp. 217-266). Elsevier Inc
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-800259-9.00006-8, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa18259
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128002599000068
keulen, G., Siebring, J., Dijkhuizen, L., & Van Keulen, G. (2011). Central Carbon Metabolic Pathways in Streptomyces. Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (pp. 105-123). Caister Academic Press
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa12932
http://www.horizonpress.com/streptomyces

Other Research Outputs

Van Keulen, G. (2016). From nostrils to crocodile blood – ten surprising places to look for antibiotics
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31113
https://theconversation.com/from-nostrils-to-crocodile-blood-ten-surprising-places-to-look-for-antibiotics-63236#

Supervision

Development of advanced corrosion-resistant coatings with synthetic biology-inspired protein technologies (awarded 2023)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof David Penney
Novel anti-microbial metallic surfaces for infection control (current)

EngD

Other supervisor: Dr Rowan Brown
Understanding the sanitising efficacy of a new, environmentally friendly hot tub water treatment product, eco3spa (awarded 2023)

MSc

Other supervisor: Prof Chedly Tizaoui

Taught Modules

PM-127 Energy and Metabolism: The Reactions of Life

This module provides an introduction to bioenergetics and the chemical structure of carbohydrates as well as a discussion of the central metabolic pathways by which energy from food is used to fuel the synthesis of the energy currency molecule ATP (with particular attention to glycolysis, the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation). The concept of tissue and organ specificity is introduced, and finally the role of the hormones insulin, glucagon, epinephrine, growth hormone, thyroid hormone and leptin in controlling these pathways and producing effects on the body is considered.
PM-134 Microbiology

This module will provide a broad introduction to fundamental concepts in microbiology (bacteria, fungi and viruses). Students will gain practical experience in handling and culturing microorganisms, microscopy and staining techniques.
PM-245 Metabolic Regulation: Enzymes & Signal Transduction

This module reviews the basic elements of enzyme kinetics, including their mechanism and inhibition. The control of enzyme function by allosteric mechanisms is considered together with an appreciation of the significance of sigmoid kinetics. An overview of coenzymes and (metal) co-factors in enzyme function is given together with a description of the role played by vitamins in co-enzyme production.
PM-278 Advanced Metabolism

The modules seeks to expand upon the first year metabolism module (PM-127) to encompass the metabolism of other biomolecules and further additions to central glycolysis and the TCA cycle. The module discusses the uptake and metabolism of carbohydrates other than glucose, the use of carbohydrates in the pentose phosphate and Entner-Douderoff pathways and disease implications. Fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism and transport systems are discussed, alongside clinical implications and modern therapeutic drugs that target these pathways. The pathways of amino acid synthesis and degradation in humans are described along with an introduction to the urea cycle.
PM-278C Metabolaeth Uwch

Nod y modiwl hwn yw ehangu ar fodiwl metabolaeth y flwyddyn gyntaf (PM-127) i gynnwys metabolaeth biofoleciwlau eraill ac ychwanegu mwy am glycolsis canolog a'r cylchred TCA. Mae'r modiwl yn trafod ymlifiad a metabolaeth carbohydradau ac eithrio glucos, y defnydd o garbohydradau yn y llwybrau ffosffad pentos ac Entner-Douderoff a¿r goblygiadau clefyd. Caiff metabolaeth asid brasterog a cholesterol a systemau cludo eu trafod, ynghyd â goblygiadau clinigol a chyffuriau therapiwtig modern sy'n targedu'r llwybrau hyn.Caiff llwybrau synthesis asidau amino a diraddiad mewn pobl eu disgrifio ynghyd â chyflwyniad i'r gylchred wrea.
PM-344 Capstone Project

The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project, with guidance from an academic supervisor. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to the life sciences. It will ask a research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation on their research findings and conclusions.
PM-405 Advanced Research Project Dissertation

The advanced research project is a key component of the final year of study, providing students with experience of conducting cutting-edge research in the Institute of Life Science and Centre for Nanohealth over an extended period. The projects undertaken will fall into one of the current medically-related research themes. Students will employ a range of advanced analytical procedures to investigate a specific topic. In addition, they will gain experience in preparing a research proposal and presenting their data in various formats. Research topics will be assigned that are appropriate to a specific degree title.

Key Grants and Projects

Understanding the sanitising efficacy of a new, environmentally friendly hot tub water treatment product, eco3spa (with Surespa Ltd) 2021 - 2023

Surespa Ltd and M2A-funded studentship , with Dr Chedly Tizaoui and Dr Chris O. Phillips, £15k
Development of advanced corrosion-resistant coatings with synthetic biology-inspired protein technologies 2018 - 2022

The UK’s Ministry of Defence ‘Materials for Strategic Advantage’ Programme funds competitive PhD studentships to develop ‘Novel Materials for Defence Materials for Strategic Advantage’. , with Professor David Penney , 77,000
Phase II Development of a synbio-inspired composite adhesive for transparent defense materials 2018 - 2020

This collaborative project is part of the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) Themed program ‘Synthetic biology for transparent materials’. , with Dr Chris O. Phillips, Dr Gethin Allen, Dr Ben Clifford , 150,000
Developing a bio-inspired adhesive technology for transparent defence materials (Phase I) 2017 - 2018

This collaborative project is part of the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) Themed program ‘Synthetic biology for transparent materials’. , with Dr Chris O. Phillips, Dr Gethin Allen, Dr Ben Clifford, Dr Sholeem Griffin, 80,000
Developing a novel protein-based coating technology for anti-corrosion of magnesium light alloy materials 2016 - 2017

This collaborative project is part of the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) Themed program ‘Synthetic biology for novel materials’. , with Professor Geraint Williams, Professor David Penney, Dr Sholeem Griffin, Dr Gethin Allen, Dr Rama, 140,000
MSc by Research studentship ‘Sanitising efficacy of a new Hot Tub Water enzyme water treatment product’ (with Eco3Spa /Hot tubs UK) 2018 - 2021

, with Dr Chedly Tizaoui, Dr Chris O. Phillips, £15k
Avenues of Commercialisation for Nano and Micro technologies (ACNM) 2018 - 2021

Academic Contributor (CoI) to ERDF funded project, with Swansea PI Dr Lewis Francis, ERDF funding £1.3m (Swansea); total project worth £2.7M; with Cardiff University)
A cross-disciplinary soil-proteomics and modelling approach for predicting switches between hydrophilic and hydrophobic soil surface responses 2013 - 2016

NERC funded collaborative research project with University of Plymouth and Rothamsted Research (NE/K004638/1 & NE/K004212/1), with Prof G. Peter Matthews, Prof Stefan H. Doerr, Dr Lewis Francis, Dr Ed Dudley, Dr Richard Whalley, £868k (Project total)
Improving the efficiency of natural product expression and purification in bacterial strains of pharmaceutical relevance by biomimetic culturing (with Demuris Ltd) 2017

BBSRC-NIBB NPRONET funded Business Interaction Voucher Project, with Dr Nick Allenby (Demuris), £10k (total amount £20k)
Production, upscaling and analysis of (mixtures of) novel natural products using a biomimetic culturing approach 2015

BBSRC-NIBB NPRONET funded Proof-of-Concept Project, with Dr Joel Loveridge, Dr Ed Dudley, £63k
Developing a protein-directed technology for biomineral-based protective and bioadhesive materials for defence applications 2023 - 2024

Dstl/DASA funded project in the Engineering Biology for Defence and Security program (Phase I), with Prof Richard Johnston, Dr Ricardo Del Sol, Dr Matt Hitchings, Dr Craig Allan, Dstl £100k

Public Engagements

Geertje is the lead-organiser of Soapbox Science Swansea, an annual public science outreach event that aims to change the public perception of female researchers and their careers in STEM by taking science to the streets of Swansea. You can view video compilations of previous events held in 2015 and 2017.

Geertje also trains researchers in how to become a better public speaker, focussing on how to reach the general public that is not upfront interested to hear about science.

She is a founder member of SwanSTEMWoMen, Swansea’s women in STEM community.

Geertje also supports other public outreach events such as the Swansea Science Festival, Super Science Saturday/Sunday, School visits, and the Swansea University STEM Club for Girls.

Geertje is raising awareness of current microbial topics to politicians in the Cross Party Group for STEM at the Welsh Parliament. She has responsibilities in raising relevant issues and current affairs in microbiology to Members of the Senedd, which includes antimicrobial resistance.

Public Engagements

She leads discussions and develops Policy with the Microbiology Society policy team, especially covering ‘A Sustainable Future:

The role of microbiology in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’, focussing on Soil Health and the UN SDGs.

She held a major responsibility for the scientific coordination of the 2017 Science at the Assembly event on ‘Antimicrobial Resistance’ in which research and impact of antimicrobial resistance in Wales was presented to politicians, policy-makers, scientists and stakeholders.

Geertje also receives request for engagement with mainstream (radio/TV/newspaper) and social media:

Public Engagements

She was contributed to a BBC Future video celebrating female scientists on Ada Lovelace Day 2017, with her contribution starting at 2min26.

She has furthermore appeared as speaking guest on BBC One Wales' topical debate programme The Hour on the topic of Women in Wales, in recognition of her activities towards gender equality, including Soapbox Science.

She has published articles and blogs on science topics and gender balance in STEM in e.g. the South Wales Evening Post, The Conservation UK, the Soapbox Science blogging site, and the Disruptive STEMinist blog.

Other Roles

External Examiner for PhD, MPhil and MRes degrees, Manchester, Newcastle, UEA, Nottingham, Strathclyde, SHU, UCD

2011 - 2022
External Examiner MSc Microbiology and MSc Biotechnology, Northumbria University

2018 - 2022
External Examiner BSc and MSci Biochemistry degrees, University of East Anglia

2017 - 2021
External Examiner for BSc Microbiology, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland

2022 - 2025
Member of the Governing Board of M2RI, Materials & Manufacturing Research Institute Swansea University

2023 - Present
Co-Champion Outreach Swansea University Medical School, SUMS Outreach

2022 - Present

Affiliated Positions

Expert Adviser Technical Panel CH/216/-/3 Products and Biofilms, The British Standards Institute

2022 - Present

Dr Geertje Van Keulen

Telephone number

Email address

Twitter Account

LinkedIn Account

Research Links

About

Areas Of Expertise

Career Highlights

Research Highlights

All Research

Development of advanced corrosion-resistant coatings with synthetic biology-inspired protein technologies (awarded 2023)

Novel anti-microbial metallic surfaces for infection control (current)

Understanding the sanitising efficacy of a new, environmentally friendly hot tub water treatment product, eco3spa (awarded 2023)

PM-127 Energy and Metabolism: The Reactions of Life

PM-134 Microbiology

PM-245 Metabolic Regulation: Enzymes & Signal Transduction

PM-278 Advanced Metabolism

PM-278C Metabolaeth Uwch

PM-344 Capstone Project

PM-405 Advanced Research Project Dissertation

Phase II Development of a synbio-inspired composite adhesive for transparent defense materials 2018 - 2020

Developing a bio-inspired adhesive technology for transparent defence materials (Phase I) 2017 - 2018

Developing a novel protein-based coating technology for anti-corrosion of magnesium light alloy materials 2016 - 2017

Avenues of Commercialisation for Nano and Micro technologies (ACNM) 2018 - 2021

A cross-disciplinary soil-proteomics and modelling approach for predicting switches between hydrophilic and hydrophobic soil surface responses 2013 - 2016

External Examiner for PhD, MPhil and MRes degrees, Manchester, Newcastle, UEA, Nottingham, Strathclyde, SHU, UCD

External Examiner MSc Microbiology and MSc Biotechnology, Northumbria University

External Examiner BSc and MSci Biochemistry degrees, University of East Anglia

External Examiner for BSc Microbiology, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland

Member of the Governing Board of M2RI, Materials & Manufacturing Research Institute Swansea University

Co-Champion Outreach Swansea University Medical School, SUMS Outreach

Expert Adviser Technical Panel CH/216/-/3 Products and Biofilms, The British Standards Institute