Ruth E. Richardson

Ruth E. Richardson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Cornell University. Her research group investigates the activities of populations within microbial communities using genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. While DNA-based techniques remain foundational in bioenvironmental engineering, Dr. Richardson emphasizes the importance of instantaneous activity levels, which are more closely linked to RNA data. Her work focuses on understanding microbial function through dynamic molecular insights.

Ruth Richardson is a researcher in applied microbiology with a focus on water treatment, food water energy nexus, harmful algal blooms, and eDNA. Her work explores microbial communities involved in reductive dechlorination of chlorinated solvents, such as TCE, and their role in bioremediation. She investigates the genomic and proteomic characteristics of Dehalococcoides species, which are key players in organohalide respiration. Richardson also examines resource recovery and waste-to-energy technologies in wastewater treatment, contributing to the circular economy. Her research includes the analysis of microplastics in freshwater systems and the impact of vinyl chloride in drinking water distribution. Additionally, she studies marine microalgae for their potential in climate, energy, and food security.