ENHG Lecture: Bioremediation and Emerging Pollutants: Using New Bacterial Strains To Clean Polluted Water Dr. Salman Syed Ashraf

Dr. Syed Salman Ashraf, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (College of Arts and Sciences) at Khalifa University, will discuss his research into ‘bioremediation,’ or using microorganisms to provide environmentally safe, inexpensive ways to clean up industrial pollution. Dr. Salman has isolated novel bacterial strains from UAE petroleum sludge that have been able to break down various ‘emerging pollutants’ that result from the intensification of agriculture and manufacturing. Dr. Salman will also discuss how the presence of these pollutants in our water supplies affects aquatic organisms as well as humans.

About the speaker: Dr. Salman got his BS in Biochemistry from Iowa State University in 1988 and then an MS from the same university in 1991, and finally a doctorate from North Carolina State University in 1999. He has worked in biotech companies in North America for over 6 years and has over 15 years of experience in academia as faculty member. Prior to joining Khalifa University, he was a Professor of Biochemistry at UAE University. His current research interests are in the areas of environmental remediation, applied biotechnology, and protein structure and function. He has strong research interests in exploiting novel bacterial isolates as well as peroxidase enzymes for environmental remediation. Professor Ashraf has over 80 publications and holds 4 US patents.

Membership sign up from 7pm, Talk begins at 7:30pm. Talk is free and open to all, please register your attendance.

This talk is generously hosted by Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas