(3bn) Intersections In Electrochemisty and Microbiology

In my doctoral work, I have focused on application of bioelectrochemical systems towards remediation of heavy metals. This work has utilized techniques in molecular biology and microbiology to understand transformations in bioelectrochemical reactors. Coupling this approach with standard electrochemical tests yields more insight into these reactors, and thus a more complete understanding of the redox phenomena associated with the microbiology in these reactor systems.

Several projects highlighting this intersection of electrochemistry and microbiology will be highlighted with the following projects: (1) Remediation of chromium by Shewanellae at the cathode of a microbial fuel cell, (2) Probing the mechanisms of electron transfer in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, and (3) Microbial community analysis of a chromate reducing biocathode.

Development of this electrochemisty-microbiology intersection in bioelectrochemical systems into a independent research plan will also be discussed.