METHODS OF MICROBIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Biography:

Dr. Ma obtained his Ph.D. from Phillips-University Marburg, Germany. He was a Max-Planck-Institute fellow and worked as a research associate at the University, and a postdoctoral fellow and then an assistant research scientist and a graduate faculty at the University of Georgia, United States. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo, Canada. Dr. Ma's research focuses on physiology, enzymology and alcohol metabolism of hyperthermophiles, a group of microorganisms growing optimally at 80°C and above or capable of growing at 90°C and above. Metabolic processes involved in the conversion of biomass to biofuels and bioproducts at elevated temperatures are studied. Novel thermostable enzymes functioning in these processes are identified and characterized. His research provides further understanding of the mechanisms of protein thermostability, unusual metabolic pathways, and biocatalysis at high temperatures, and also explores potential applications of these biocatalysts in pharmaceutical and other industrial processes.

Research Interests:

Physiology and enzymology of hyperthermophilic microorganisms, sulphur reduction and energy metabolism; thermostable dehydrogenases; alcohol metabolism; electron transfer and flavoproteins; enzyme evolution and protein engineering