Research and expertise
I am currently immersed in my doctoral research, which centers on a critical aspect of public health: investigating the disease transmission risk posed by toilet plume bioaerosols in healthcare and hospitality settings.
This research holds immense significance as it delves into a largely unexplored area with potentially profound implications for infection control. By unraveling the dynamics of bioaerosols released during toilet flushing, particularly in environments where vulnerable populations gather, my work aims to enhance our understanding of disease spread and contribute valuable insights to health and safety measures. Through this investigation, I aspire to make impactful contributions to safeguarding the health and well-being of individuals within these crucial settings.
Recent publications
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Paddy, E, Afolabi, O, Sohail, M (2024) Exploring toilet plume bioaerosol exposure dynamics in public toilets using a Design of Experiments approach, Scientific Reports, 14, 10665, ISSN: 2045-2322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61039-w
- Paddy, E, Afolabi, O, Sohail, M (2023) Toilet plume bioaerosols in healthcare and hospitality settings: A systematic review, American Journal of Infection Control, 51(3), pp.324-333, ISSN: 0196-6553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.07.006
- Afolabi, O, Leonard, SA, Osei, E, Blay, K (2021) Country-level assessment of agrifood waste and enabling environment for sustainable utilisation for bioenergy in Nigeria, Journal of Environmental Management, 294, 112929, ISSN: 0301-4797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112929
Profile
I am a doctoral researcher pursuing my interests in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), along with a strong focus on public health, infection control, exposure assessments and health and safety. My long-term goal is to become a leading expert in public health engineering, developing innovative solutions and influencing policies to address pressing global health challenges.
My academic journey began with a BSc in Civil Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana, where I specialized in sanitation and led a critical case study on faecal sludge management in Ghanaian public toilets. The insights and recommendations from this project significantly enhanced cleanliness and treatment efficiency in these facilities.
Building on this foundation, I pursued an MSc in International Water and Sanitation Engineering at Loughborough University’s Water Engineering and Development Centre, where I was awarded the prestigious John Pickford Scholarship. During my MSc, I collaborated with Otter Vacuum by conducting bioaerosol emissions tests, diagnosing system malfunctions, and recommending improvements to ensure their toilet models met global health standards.
In my PhD research, I focus on assessing infection risks of bioaerosols in public toilets. I have developed the first dose-response model for C. difficile, advancing the understanding of infectious disease transmission in public toilets and mitigating global infection risks. Additionally, I pioneered a ‘Design of Experiments’ approach to predict bioaerosol concentrations from toilet flushing and I have contributed valuable datasets to the Loughborough University repository. My work has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Scientific Reports and the American Journal of Infection Control, and featured in The Engineer UK magazine. I am also preparing to present my research at the prestigious WaterMicro25 conference in June 2025.
Beyond my PhD, I have contributed to a Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship project by conducting infection risk assessments for waste-to-energy technology in sub-Saharan Africa. My diverse roles, ranging from microbial risk assessments for agri-food waste projects to consulting on sanitation technologies, I have honed my analytical skills and fostered a meticulous approach to environmental and public health.
I am dedicated to bridging the gap between research and real-world application, crafting evidence-based strategies that empower organizations to enhance health and safety standards and contribute to healthier, more sustainable environments.
Professional affiliations
- Royal Society for Public Health (student member)