Overview
Background
Denys Villa Gomez holds a joint appointment at the University of Queensland as Senior Lecturer at the School of Civil Engineering and as a Research Fellow at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. She obtained her PhD at the world-leading institute’s IHE-Delft/Wageningen University, The Netherlands in 2013. She applies advanced methodologies such as omics approaches and micro spectral tools to develop biotechnology processes that reduce carbon emissions and recover resources from mine waste and wastewater. She is the leader of the key area “Synbio Mining” within the recently created UQ Biosustainability Hub and chief investigator at the ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources for the Future. She has published over 40 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers cited more than 500 times, and has served as editor and reviewer for leading journals and advisory roles in industry and scientific committees (e.g. International Mine Water Association).
Teaching and Learning:
- Course coordinator and lecturer for Introduction to Environmental Engineering (CIVL2135)
- Course coordinator and lecturer for Environmental Phenomena (ENVE3160)
- Lecturer in Integrated Design for Environmental Management (CIVL4516)
- Lecturer in Sustainable Built Environment (CIVL4180)
Availability
- Dr Denys Villa Gomez is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Research interests
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Critical metals recovery
Finding efficient and sustainable methods to extract these resources from waste streams and low-grade ores is crucial. My work aims to develop innovative techniques that can address this global challenge.
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Bioprocesses enhancing circular economy
Bioprocesses play a crucial role in supporting the transition to a circular economy by enabling the conversion of waste materials into valuable products and resources. My work aims to develop innovative biotechnological solutions that convert greenhouse gases, mine waste and organic waste into valuable resources.
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Pollution prevention and control
My research focuses on leveraging life cycle assessment to pinpoint sustainability improvements in industrial processes. I'm also exploring the potential of biological systems as early warning detectors for pollution.
Research impacts
Denys has contributed to expanding the knowledge of engineering approaches and biobased processes for the treatment and management of waste and resource recovery from urban and industrial waste and wastewater. Her research leans on applying biological processes such as biological sulphate reduction for making the treatment of waste more sustainable and economically viable by maximising the efficiency and decreasing the environmental footprint of the operations. This has influenced the field nationally and internationally, as shown in her research metrics, conference invitations as a keynote speaker and as a member of international scientific committees. She is ranked No. 1 in Australia, and No. 11 worldwide in the SciVal topic “acid mine drainage; sulfate-reducing bacteria; sulphate”.
Works
Search Professor Denys Villa Gomez’s works on UQ eSpace
2012
Journal Article
Influence of sulfide concentration and macronutrients on the characteristics of metal precipitates relevant to metal recovery in bioreactors
Villa-Gomez, D. K., Papirio, S., van Hullebusch, E. D., Farges, F., Nikitenko, S., Kramer, H. and Lens, P. N. L. (2012). Influence of sulfide concentration and macronutrients on the characteristics of metal precipitates relevant to metal recovery in bioreactors. Bioresource Technology, 110, 26-34. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2012.01.041
2011
Journal Article
Effect of sulfide concentration on the location of the metal precipitates in inversed fluidized bed reactors
Villa-Gomez, D., Ababneh, H., Papirio, S., Rousseau, D. P. L. and Lens, P. N. L. (2011). Effect of sulfide concentration on the location of the metal precipitates in inversed fluidized bed reactors. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 192 (1), 200-207. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.05.002
2011
Journal Article
Preface: Chalcogen cycle science and technology
Lens, Piet N. L., Gomez, Denys Villa and Van Cappellen, Philippe (2011). Preface: Chalcogen cycle science and technology. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 189 (3), 623-623. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.02.080
2010
Conference Publication
A study of the metal removal mechanisms in sulfate reducing bioreactors: kinetics, speciation and solid phase characterization
Villa-Gomez, D. K. , Papirio, S. , Van Hullebusch, E. , Farges, F. , Nikitenko, S. and Lens, P. N. L. (2010). A study of the metal removal mechanisms in sulfate reducing bioreactors: kinetics, speciation and solid phase characterization. Anaerobic Digestion IX - Selected Proceedings of the 9th World Congress on Anaerobic Digestion, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, 31 October 2010.
2009
Journal Article
Characterization of sulfate-reducing bacteria dominated surface communities during start-up of a down-flow fluidized bed reactor
Celis, Lourdes B., Villa-Gómez, Denys, Alpuche-Solís, Angel G., Ortega-Morales, B. Otto and Razo-Flores, Elias (2009). Characterization of sulfate-reducing bacteria dominated surface communities during start-up of a down-flow fluidized bed reactor. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 36 (1), 111-121. doi: 10.1007/s10295-008-0478-7
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Denys Villa Gomez is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Critical metals recovery from mine waste
This project will deliver engineered microbiomes that seed innovative technologies unlocking the recovery of critical metals. This will place the mining industry in the position to implement circular economy practises during mine closure by creating value from its resources.
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Critical metals recovery from mine waste
This project will deliver engineered microbiomes that seed innovative technologies unlocking the recovery of critical metals. This will place the mining industry in the position to implement circular economy practises during mine closure by creating value from its resources.
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Using synthetic biology to accelerate critical metals recovery from mine waste
This project aims to develop new biological tools to recover important metals from mining waste. Using advanced genetic engineering techniques, researchers will identify and enhance key microorganisms that can efficiently extract metals like gallium and rare earth elements. The goal is to design microbial communities that are better at recovering these valuable resources from waste materials.
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Biobased mineral carbonation using mine waste by-products
This research explores a novel way to reuse mine waste while helping combat climate change. The project aims to develop bioprocesses to capture carbon dioxide, produce elemental sulfur, and create high-purity calcium and magnesium carbonates, all with minimal chemical inputs.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Process Modelling and Control of an Integrated Anaerobic-Algae Wastewater Treatment System
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Using synthetic biology to accelerate critical metals recovery from mine waste
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Esteban Marcellin
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Doctor Philosophy
Accelerating the extraction of critical metals such as rare earth elements and gallium from red mud tailings.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Esteban Marcellin
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Doctor Philosophy
Acid Mine Drainage Passive Treatment Method Using Hyperaccumulator Plants for Post Mining Rehabilitation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gordon Southam, Professor Peter Erskine
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Doctor Philosophy
Profitable Upcycling of GM Biomass from Precision Fermentation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Esteban Marcellin
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Doctor Philosophy
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) treatment utilising synthetic membrane technology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mansour Edraki
Completed supervision
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Strategies for enhancing the anaerobic digestion of fruit waste for the management and valorisation of agricultural residues
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor William Clarke
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Strategies for nickel and cobalt recovery from mine-impacted water using sulfate-reducing bacteria
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor James Vaughan, Professor Gordon Southam
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Using Municipal Solid Waste as a Carbon Source for Biogenic H2S production
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ilje Pikaar, Associate Professor James Vaughan, Professor William Clarke
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Denys Villa Gomez directly for media enquiries about:
- Acid mine drainage
- Bioenergy production
- Bioremediation
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Environmental Engineering
- Metals pollution
- Metals recovery
- Metals recovery mine waste
- Mine waste management
- Mining pollution control
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