Latest Scientific Contribution Featured in the Journal of Hazardous Materials
Delighted to share that Gayatri has published her third first-authored paper, titled “Pesticides impact microbial communities in the freshwater ecosystem: implications on biogeochemical cycles,” in the Journal of Hazardous Materials (Elsevier, IF: 11.3). The Journal of Hazardous Materials is considered a highly reputable and influential journal in the field of environmental science and engineering.
This study showcases the intricate interplay between pesticide application, microbial diversity, and associated metabolic functions, underscoring how emerging contaminants can trigger cascading effects on biogeochemical cycles.
Big shout-out to Gayatri Basapuram for her newly published review in ACS Omega
Excited to share our recently published review paper on Biotransformation of Pesticides across Biological Systems: Molecular Mechanisms, Omics Insights, and Biotechnological Advances for Environmental Sustainability in ACS Omega, a reputed journal by American Chemical Society. This insightful work explores how pesticides transform across microbes, plants, and animals — bridging biochemistry, environmental science, and sustainability to better understand their fate and impact on health and ecosystems.
A proud moment and an outstanding contribution to the field — congratulations, Gayatri!
Read it here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c06484 PUBLICATION
Hot off the press!
Thrilled to share our recent paper on “Molecular and Ionic Signatures in Rainwater: Unveiling Sources of Atmospheric Pollution” just published in Environment. This study, led by two bright minds — Grace Stamm and Arka Bhattacharjee — uncovers how rainwater chemistry in semi urban Athens, Georgia, carries nutrient ions and diverse organic pollutants, revealing hidden sources of atmospheric contamination.
Both students’ research assistantships were supported by the NSF award (EAR: 2502654), “Impact of Extreme Weather Events on Biogeochemical Cycling and Microbial Dynamics: Assessing Post-Hurricane Helene Shifts in the Oconee River Watershed.”
We are incredibly proud of their contributions and the important insights this work brings to the intersection of atmospheric science, geochemistry, and environmental health.
Read the full paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3298/12/10/351
New Publication Alert!
Happy to share that Kiana Pillay, has published her second paper in Letters in Applied Microbiology (Oxford University Press publication). Letters in Applied Microbiology is a reputed journal and the sister journal of the Journal of Applied Microbiology, known to be one of the first applied microbiology journals in the world, established in 1939. Applied Microbiology International, the oldest microbiology society in the UK, publishes these journals.
Her new article, “Integrative genomics and metabolic profiling of Rossellomorea sp. DL-A to understand the possible malathion degradation pathway,” continues the line of research from her first publication. Kiana received the CURO award for conducting this study, and in this study, she combined two cutting-edge omics approaches, genomics and metabolomics, to investigate malathion degradation pathway in Rossellomorea sp. DL-A, a bacterial strain she isolated from the North Oconee River in Georgia.
Read the full article here: Letters in Applied Microbiology, https://academic.oup.com/lambio/article/78/8/ovaf103/8217242
Congratulations Kiana!
What I did this summer
By: Avishek Dutta
Get ready for an exciting Geology Colloquium tomorrow!
Date & Time: Friday, August 15, 2025, at 3:00 PM
Location: Room 200A, Geology Building
As part of this week’s colloquium, three researchers will share their fascinating work. Among them, Dr. Avishek Dutta will take us on a journey into the heart of the ocean, recounting his summer research expedition in the middle of the sea. You will get a rare glimpse into how scientists explore uncharted territories and uncover new insights from some of the most remote and mysterious parts of our planet.
It’s a deep dive you won’t want to miss!
Congratulations to Our CURO Award Recipients
Four Students Earn CURO Research Awards for Fall 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Shivank, Aahil, Erin, and Srikar have each received a CURO Research Award for Fall 2025. Congratulations to them on this outstanding accomplishment!
Prithvy 