Dr. Germaine  is a microbiologist  specialising in environmental microbiology. He obtained his PhD at the Institute of Technology Carlow in 2007, developing genetically enhanced  bacteria for degrading common environmental pollutants such as solvents, pesticides, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)  and poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Dr. Germaine has worked in both the food and pharmaceutical industries as a microbiologist and food safety consultant. He was a co-founder of a spin-out company (MicroGen Biotech Ltd) and is a co-inventor on a number of patents.

Dr. Germaines main area of research focuses on soil health and the removal of pollutants  through the action of bacteria, fungi and plants.  His work includes the remediation of soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons  (PAHs) (creosote), heavy metals (cadmium and arsenic) and nitroaromatic compounds (NACs). This research also investigates the effects that remediation of these pollutants has on the soil microbiome. Other research areas include the effect of novel bio-based fertiliser (BFF) application on soil health, the prevalence of microplastic pollution in the river Barrow, the development of nature-based solutions to control plant diseases and the development of live microbial bio-stimulants for plant growth promotion in agriculture.    

Dr. Germaine lectures in 1^st year Fundamental Biology (lectures and practicals), 3^rd  year Environmental science (lectures and practicals) and 4^th year Environmental Management (lectures). He supervises 4^th year degree projects, research masters and PhD projects.