Bozena Futoma-Koloch | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Faculty Award

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Dr. Bozena Futoma-Koloch | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Faculty Award 

University of Wroclaw | Poland

Dr. Bożena Futoma-Kołoch is an accomplished microbiologist whose research integrates microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and host–pathogen interactions, with a particular focus on Salmonella enterica. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Wrocław, where she has built a coherent and internationally recognized research program grounded in molecular microbiology, immunology, and environmental microbiology. Her scientific work has substantially advanced understanding of how environmental stressors especially disinfectants, antiseptics, and human serum—shape bacterial virulence and survival. A central theme of her research is the phenomenon of cross-resistance, whereby exposure to biocides influences bacterial tolerance to antibiotics and serum-mediated immune defenses. Through detailed phenotypic and proteomic analyses, Dr. Futoma-Kołoch has demonstrated that changes in outer membrane proteins (OMPs) play a pivotal role in mediating resistance to serum complement, antibiotics, and disinfectants. These findings have provided new mechanistic insights into bacterial adaptation and have identified OMPs as promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in the fight against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Her habilitation work, “Effect of disinfectants and serum on the phenotype associated with virulence in non-typhoid Salmonella enterica strains” (2024), represents a significant milestone, consolidating years of systematic research into how chemical and immunological pressures modulate virulence-associated traits. This research has strong translational relevance for public health, food safety, and infection control, particularly in the context of increasing antimicrobial resistance and widespread biocide use. Dr. Futoma-Kołoch is also actively engaged in interdisciplinary and applied research. Dr. Futoma-Kołoch’s scholarly output includes influential review articles that are widely cited and shape current thinking on bacterial virulence, serum resistance, and antimicrobial defense mechanisms. Her leadership in international collaborations, participation in COST Actions, and service as an editor and reviewer for high-impact journals further attest to her standing in the global microbiology community. Overall, her research profile reflects originality, continuity, and significant impact on both basic science and applied infectious disease research.

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Featured Publications


Biological activity of quaternary ammonium salts and resistance of microorganisms to these compounds

– World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2021 | Cited by: 57

 

Nyambane Ontita | Microbiology | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Nyambane Ontita | Microbiology | Best Research Article Award

Central South University, China

Profile

ORCID

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Nyambane Clive Ontita's academic journey reflects a deep-rooted passion for environmental microbiology and sustainable technologies. He began his undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Science in Education (Biology/Agriculture) from Bugema University, Uganda, in 2010, which laid a strong foundation in biological sciences and teaching. Driven by a growing curiosity about microbial life, he pursued a Master of Science in Microbiology at Kenyatta University, Kenya, graduating in 2015. His passion for advanced research and problem-solving led him to China, where he is currently completing a Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology at Central South University (2021–2025), under the mentorship of Prof. Weimin Zeng.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Clive’s professional path is as dynamic as it is impactful. He served as a Part-time Lecturer at Kisii University (2015–2021), where he taught medical microbiology and mentored students in both theory and practical laboratory skills. Simultaneously, he lectured at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) (2016–2021), handling modules in general microbiology and environmental physiology. These roles not only honed his communication and instructional abilities but also solidified his role as a dedicated educator and mentor. Earlier in 2015, he gained hands-on clinical experience as a Graduate Researcher at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, working on microbial ecology and antibiotic resistance in clinical settings.

🔬 Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Clive's doctoral research centers on microbial electrochemical strategies for rare earth element (REE) recovery and wastewater treatment, merging microbiology with environmental engineering. He has engineered bioelectrochemical systems (BES) capable of recovering Ce(III), Y(III), Gd(III), and La(III) from contaminated industrial and mining waste streams. His work delves into biofilm dynamics, metal resistance, and biogeochemical transformations, utilizing sophisticated techniques such as XPS, SEM, XRD, and FTIR. Clive also employs 16S rRNA sequencing, qPCR, and PICRUSt for microbial community analysis and functional predictions. His research significantly contributes to the fields of metal recovery, biostabilization, and sustainable waste management, aligning with global environmental sustainability goals.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Clive’s work holds both academic and environmental significance. Through his research, he addresses urgent global challenges such as waste valorization, emerging contaminant degradation, and mine waste reuse. His efforts are shaping innovative solutions that integrate microbial systems into sustainable industrial practices. Recognized for his leadership and innovation, Clive has been honored as the Best Research Student at Central South University (2024) and Best Research Group Presenter (2022)—a testament to his scientific rigor and ability to inspire peers.

📚 Academic Citations and Scholarly Presence

Clive’s scholarly output and impact can be tracked through his profiles on ORCID and Google Scholar, where his contributions to environmental microbiology and bioremediation are gaining citations. His academic footprint continues to grow, reinforcing his influence in both African and international scientific communities.

🧪 Technical Skills and Competence

Clive is proficient in a wide array of advanced laboratory and analytical techniques. His core competencies include DNA extraction, 16S rRNA sequencing, qPCR, and bioinformatics analysis. He is also skilled in instrumental techniques such as ICP-OES, XRD, SEM, XPS, and FTIR, essential for surface and mineral analysis. His expertise in designing and operating BES reactors, coupled with data processing using OriginLab, SPSS, and GraphPad Prism, highlights his interdisciplinary strengths across biology, chemistry, and engineering domains.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship

An enthusiastic educator, Clive has spent over six years teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in microbiology. At Kisii University and JKUAT, he supervised student research and practical laboratory sessions, nurturing future scientists in microbial culturing, molecular diagnostics, and environmental analysis. His teaching philosophy is centered on hands-on learning, critical thinking, and real-world applications, which have had a lasting impact on many aspiring microbiologists in Kenya.

🏅 Conferences, Networking & International Exposure

Clive has actively participated in international academic forums, gaining exposure to global innovations and collaborative opportunities. Notably, he attended the Annual International Training Courses (AITC) in Bangkok, Thailand (August 2024), focusing on Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero Emissions. He also presented at the 9th Graduate Innovation Forum on the Low-Carbon Development of Metal Resources at Central South University in 2023. These engagements highlight his commitment to environmental solutions at a global scale.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Clive envisions a future where microbial technologies transform waste into resources, and he aims to lead research and training initiatives that support sustainable development in Africa and beyond. His interdisciplinary approach uniquely positions him to contribute to policies and technologies for cleaner industries, resource recovery, and bio-inspired material science. As a rising scholar, Clive is set to leave a lasting legacy through innovation, mentorship, and international collaboration.

Selected Publications

Title: Electrochemically active biofilms responses to gadolinium stress during wastewater treatment in bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Nyambane Clive Ontita, Anaman R., Sarkodie E. K., Wang Y., Bichi A. H., Shanshan X., ... & Zeng W.
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2025
Title: Insights into anode substrate optimization in bioelectrochemical systems for efficient cathodic lanthanum recovery during wastewater treatment
Authors: Nyambane Clive Ontita, Emmanuel Konadu Sarkodie, Richmond Anaman, Tang Yun Hui, Weimin Zeng
Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering
Year: 2024
Title: Substrate-Mediated Enhancement of Bioelectrochemical Systems for Sustainable Rare Earth Element Recovery from Mining Wastewater
Authors: Nyambane Clive Ontita, Richmond Anaman, Charles Amanze, Hyline Nyangweso, Weimin Zeng
Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering
Year: 2025
Title: Mechanistic Insights into Biphasic Effects of Ce(III) on Anode Biofilms in Bioelectrochemical Systems during Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Nyambane Clive Ontita, Charles Amanze, Richmond Anaman, Xiao Shanshan, Tang Yun Hui, Felix Kwofie, Pius Abraham Tetteh, Weimin Zeng
Journal: Water, Air, and Soil Pollution
Year: 2025
Title: Isolation and Whole-genome analysis of Desmodesmus sp. SZ-1, a novel acid-tolerant carbon-fixing microalga
Authors: Wang Y., Liu A., Amanze C., Ontita N. C., Zeng W.
Journal: Bioresource Technology
Year: 2024

 

Prof. Dr. Qiuju Wang | Poultry Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Qiuju Wang | Poultry Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, China.

Prof. Dr. Qiuju Wang is a distinguished professor at the College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University. With expertise in animal nutrition and microecological regulation, her research has profoundly impacted poultry health and production performance. A recipient of multiple accolades, she has pioneered studies on gut microbiota and its physiological effects on poultry. Dr. Wang has also collaborated internationally, furthering advancements in her field. She actively contributes to academia through publications, patents, and innovation.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. Qiuju Wang holds a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition and Feed Science from Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University (2006–2010), where she specialized in advancing livestock nutrition and ecological practices. As part of her academic journey, she participated in a prestigious Joint Ph.D. Program in Animal and Poultry Nutrition at the Ontario College of Agriculture, University of Guelph, Canada (2008–2009), where she honed her expertise in poultry nutrition and gut microbiota. Further enhancing her global academic profile, she served as a Visiting Scholar at the College of Veterinary and Diagnosis, Cornell University, USA (2016–2017), focusing on cutting-edge diagnostic methods and ecological regulation in animal health.

🏢 Experience

Prof. Dr. Qiuju Wang serves as a distinguished Professor at Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, where she leads impactful research in poultry gut health, microecological regulation, and nutrition optimization. Her expertise has driven advancements in improving livestock productivity and health through sustainable and ecological approaches. Prof. Wang has also fostered international collaboration with renowned institutions, including Cornell University and the University of Guelph, enriching her research with global insights and multidisciplinary perspectives. Her leadership continues to shape innovative solutions for challenges in animal science and veterinary medicine.

🔬 Research Interests

Nutrition and microecological regulation of poultry

Gut microbiota analysis and its effects on immunity, physiology, and nutritional metabolism

Utilization of microbial diversity, metagenomics, and transcriptomics for enhanced poultry performance

Development of sustainable ecological methods for poultry health

🏆 Awards and Recognitions

Third Prize, Scientific and Technological Progress of Heilongjiang Province

Second and Third Prize (Participant), Scientific and Technological Progress of Heilongjiang Province

📚 Publications Top Notes

Isolation and Characterization of Two Strains of Goose-Derived Probiotics and Their Effect on Goslings
Zhao, Y., Wang, Q., Meng, L., Yu, W., Leng, X.
Chinese Journal of Animal Nutrition, 2024, 36(11): 7409–7421.
Abstract: This study identifies and evaluates two probiotic strains derived from geese, analyzing their role in uric acid metabolism in goslings.

Effects of Clostridium butyricum on Protein Synthesis of Rumen Explants in Dairy Cows
Sun, S., Wang, Q., Wan, B., Wang, J., Zhao, Y.
Chinese Journal of Animal Nutrition, 2024, 36(9): 5709–5721.
Abstract: Research on Clostridium butyricum reveals its potential to enhance protein synthesis in rumen explants of dairy cows.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Differential Expression of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs in Zi Goose Testis with High and Low Sperm Mobility
Hao, H., Ren, X., Ma, Z., Wang, Q., Liu, S.
Poultry Science, 2024, 103(8), Article 103895.
Abstract: The study highlights transcriptomic differences in Zi goose testis influencing sperm mobility, emphasizing mRNA, lncRNA, and miRNA interactions.
Cited by: 3 articles.

Effects of Dietary Artemisia annua Supplementation on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Function, and Gut Microbiota of Geese
Cui, Y., Leng, X., Zhao, Y., Zhao, Y., Wang, Q.
Poultry Science, 2024, 103(5), Article 103594.
Abstract: Explores how Artemisia annua in diets affects growth, immunity, antioxidant properties, and gut microbiota in geese.
Cited by: 5 articles.

Integrated Meta-Omics Analyses Reveal a Role of Ruminal Microorganisms in Ketone Body Accumulation and Ketosis in Lactating Dairy Cows
Wang, Q., Cui, Y., Indugu, N., Deng, Z., Xu, C.
Journal of Dairy Science, 2022, 106, 4906–4917.