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Dr Komang Ralebitso Senior

Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Faculty of Science

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I am Reader in Microbial Ecology. My interests in multidisciplinary translational research are to understand and harness the structure and functional activity of microbial communities to advance sustainable environmental management and forensic analysis. We achieve this by applying molecular techniques to analyse ecosystems that are impacted by biochar, pollutants, waste products and decomposition within a forensic context. My research maps against UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 [Zero Hunger], 5 [Gender Equality], 12 [Responsible Consumption and Production], 13 [Climate Action], 15 [Life on Land] and 16 [Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions].
I was Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology with Teesside University, and have held post-doctoral positions with: BioMEMS Laboratory of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; and NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Oxford (now Wallingford).
As Associate Dean (Diversity and Inclusion) for the Faculty of Science, I oversee the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the University’s EDI Strategy and Action Plan. Therefore, I facilitate and support an embedding of diversity and inclusion principles into teaching, learning, research and enterprise for an equitable experience for staff and students.

Current research contexts include:
1. Forensic ecogenomics – the study of microbial communities has recognised and emergent, yet not fully realised, potential in the science of crime scenes. We apply cutting-edge microbial ecology techniques to improve and extend the current forensic toolkit, and inform science-based resolution of crimes. [1 PhD graduated 2018; 1 PhD graduated 2020; 4 PhDs ongoing]
2. Biochar microbial ecology – biochar is a sustainable technology for carbon sequestration, improved agricultural yield and enhanced pollutant attenuation. There is a limited understanding of its impact on microbial communities and, therefore, ecosystem function. We address this key knowledge gap by investigating ecosystem microbial community dynamics and function in biochar-based bioremediation, biofiltration and N-cycling. Also, we use magnetic biochar as a tool to understand biochar impacts on microbial community composition and structure. [1 PhD graduated 2019; 1 PhD ongoing]
3. Environmental biotechnology – the aim is to understand the functional gene dynamics of complex microbial communities, which are central to the efficacy of environmentally sustainable processes such as bioremediation, anaerobic digestion and wastewater attenuation. [1 PhD graduated 2019]
4. Aspects of policy and conservation – scientific research has a recognised opportunity to inform policy development. Similarly, existing and new statements of policy can direct research initiatives. [1 PhD graduated 2015; 1 PhD graduated 2021]

PhD applications are welcome within these research themes.

Languages

Sotho, Southern

Degrees

2002, University of Natal, South Africa, PhD
1998, University of Natal, South Africa, BSc(Hons), Environmental Microbiology
1992, Queens College of The City University of New York, United States, BA Biology, Pre-Medical

Certifications

Teesside University, United Kingdom, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Academic appointments

Reader in Microbial Ecology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 2024 - present
Associate Dean (Diversity and Inclusion), Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, 2023 - present
Senior Lecturer in Microbial Ecology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 2018 - 2024
Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology, School of Science, Engineering and Design, Teesside University, 2006 - 2018

Postgraduate training

Postgraduate Certificate in Learning & Teaching in Higher Education, United Kingdom, Teesside University, 2008 - 2009

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