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

 

Dr. Joseph Blondeau | Clinical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Joseph Blondeau | Clinical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Royal University Hospital/University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Dr. Joseph M. Blondeau is a distinguished microbiologist with extensive expertise in clinical microbiology, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. He currently serves as the Interim Provincial Clinical Lead for Microbiology at the Saskatchewan Health Authority and has been the Head of Clinical Microbiology at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Canada, since 2000. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Blondeau has made significant contributions to medical microbiology, serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Saskatchewan while actively consulting for hospitals and laboratories.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Joseph M. Blondeau's academic journey began with his B.Sc. in Biology from Dalhousie University in 1983, followed by an Honours B.Sc. in Biology from the same institution in 1985. He continued his studies at Dalhousie, earning a Master of Science in Microbiology in 1985, under the guidance of Dr. J.A. Embil. Dr. Blondeau further advanced his expertise in the field of microbiology, obtaining his Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology from the University of Manitoba in 1989, where he worked under the supervision of Dr. F.Y. Aoki. His solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. Dr. Blondeau's early education was completed at Riverview Rural High School in Coxheath, Nova Scotia, where he graduated with his Academic Grade 12 in 1978.

🏢 Professional Experience

Dr. Joseph M. Blondeau has held several prominent positions in the field of microbiology throughout his career. Since 2019, he has served as the Interim Provincial Clinical Lead for Microbiology at the Saskatchewan Health Authority, overseeing the province's microbiology services. In addition to this, Dr. Blondeau has been the Head of Clinical Microbiology at Royal University Hospital and the Saskatoon Health Region since 2000, where he leads clinical microbiology services and research initiatives. He has also been the Head of Clinical Bacteriology/Clinical Microbiologist at Royal University Hospital since 1996, further establishing his expertise in clinical bacteriology. Dr. Blondeau’s academic contributions have been significant, serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Saskatchewan since 1991, where he shares his extensive knowledge with students in microbiology and immunology.

Earlier in his career, he served as the Director of Microbiology/Clinical Microbiologist at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon from 1991 to 1996, where he led the microbiology department. Dr. Blondeau has also provided consultancy services in various hospitals and laboratories, including Lloydminster Hospital (1991–1997), Biggar Union Hospital (1991–1992), Prairie Associated Pathologist Laboratory (1991–1992), and MDS – Medical Arts Laboratory (1993–1996), where he advised on microbiological diagnostics and treatment.

🔍 Research Interests

Dr. Blondeau’s research primarily focuses on:

Antimicrobial Resistance 🦠

Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases 🏥

New Antimicrobial Agents & Testing Methods 💊

Diagnostic Microbiology Innovations 🔬

Bacterial Pathogenesis & Emerging Pathogens 🧫

His work contributes to advancing infection control strategies and optimizing antimicrobial treatment options for public health and hospital settings.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dalhousie Graduate Fellowship – Faculty of Graduate Studies (1983–85)

Dalhousie Teaching Assistantship – Faculty of Graduate Studies (1983–85)

Dalhousie Graduate Travel Grant – First-ever awarded by the Department of Microbiology (1984)

Dalhousie University Honour Award – Certificate of Distinction for outstanding extracurricular activities (1985)

Certified Registered Microbiologist – Canadian College of Microbiologists (1991)

Specialist Microbiologist in Public Health & Medical Microbiology – Canadian College of Microbiologists (1995)

Fellow, The American College of Chest Physicians – (1997)

📚 Selected Publications

Comparison of the Minimum Inhibitory and Mutant Prevention Drug Concentrations for Pradofloxacin and 7 Other Antimicrobial Agents Tested Against Swine Isolates of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida

Authors: Blondeau, J.M., Fitch, S.D.

Published in: Molecules (2024)

Volume: 29(22)

 

Comparative Minimum Inhibitory and Mutant Prevention Drug Concentrations for Pradofloxacin and Seven Other Antimicrobial Agents Tested Against Bovine Isolates of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida

Authors: Blondeau, J.M., Fitch, S.D.

Published in: Pathogens (2024)

Volume: 13(5)

Citations: 1

Comparative In Vitro Killing by Pradofloxacin in Comparison to Ceftiofur, Enrofloxacin, Florfenicol, Marbofloxacin, Tildipirosin, Tilmicosin, and Tulathromycin Against Bovine Respiratory Bacterial Pathogens

Authors: Blondeau, J.M., Fitch, S.D.

Published in: Microorganisms (2024)

Volume: 12(5)

Citations: 1

Long COVID: A Consequence of Chronic Post-Infectious Inflammation!

Authors: Blondeau, J.M.

Published in: Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine (2024)

Volume: 18(12)