Dr. Alexander Mahnert | Mikrobiom | Best Scholar Award |

Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz,Austria

Professional Profiles:

👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Dr. Alexander Mahnert is a distinguished microbiologist and University Assistant at the Medical University of Graz, specializing in microbiome research, applied bioinformatics, and microbial ecology. His work explores the complex interactions between microbes and their environments, with applications in planetary protection, medical microbiology, and environmental health. With over 30 peer-reviewed publications, an h-index of 19, and a patent on Ammonia-oxidizing Archaea for improving skin health, Dr. Mahnert’s research is both innovative and impactful. Recognized with prestigious awards such as the Austrian Microbiology Award and international accolades, he has also collaborated with global institutions, including NASA, UCSD, and Cambridge University, to advance microbial science and its applications.

🎓 Educational Background:

Dr. Alexander Mahnert holds a robust academic background in molecular microbiology, having pursued his education in Graz, Austria. His academic journey includes research stays at esteemed institutions such as the Archaea Center at the University of Regensburg, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech in Pasadena, the University of California San Diego (UCSD), Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle. These experiences have shaped his expertise in microbiology and bioinformatics.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Mahnert’s research is centered on applied bioinformatics, systems biology, and microbiome research. He investigates the complex interactions between microbes and their habitats, with applications spanning planetary protection, medical microbiology, and microbial ecology. His pioneering work in archaeome research has led to innovative findings, such as the association of the human archaeome with health and novel bioinformatics classification systems. He also explores the influence of plant-associated microbial communities on indoor environments, contributing to both environmental and medical advancements.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Dr. Mahnert has earned numerous accolades for his contributions to microbiology, including the Austrian Microbiology Award, the Best Collaborative BioTechMed-Graz Paper Award, and the Austrian Hygiene Award. Internationally, he has been recognized with the Best Podium Award at the Healthy Buildings America 2015 conference and the Best Poster Presentation Award in the “Extremophiles” category at the European Astrobiology Network Association conference.

💼 Professional Experience:

Currently a University Assistant at the Medical University of Graz, Dr. Mahnert works within the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Hygiene, Microbiology, and Environmental Medicine. He has also served as a principal investigator for high-profile projects funded by the European Space Agency, Austrian Science Fund, and private industry. In addition to academia, he has collaborated with leading global institutions, including NASA, Cambridge University, and TU Graz, fostering innovation in planetary protection and microbiome applications.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title: “Microorganisms in confined habitats: microbial monitoring and control of intensive care units, operating rooms, cleanrooms, and the International Space Station”
Authors: M. Mora, A. Mahnert, K. Koskinen, M. R. Pausan, L. Oberauner-Wappis, et al.
Citations: 173
Index: Frontiers in Microbiology
Year: 2016

Title: “Man-made microbial resistances in built environments”
Authors: A. Mahnert, C. Moissl-Eichinger, M. Zojer, D. Bogumil, I. Mizrahi, T. Rattei, et al.
Citations: 169
Index: Nature Communications
Year: 2019

Title: “A catalogue of 1,167 genomes from the human gut archaeome”
Authors: C. M. Chibani, A. Mahnert, G. Borrel, A. Almeida, A. Werner, J. F. Brugère, et al.
Citations: 117
Index: Nature Microbiology
Year: 2022

Title: “Beneficial effects of plant-associated microbes on indoor microbiomes and human health?”
Authors: G. Berg, A. Mahnert, C. Moissl-Eichinger
Citations: 113
Index: Frontiers in Microbiology
Year: 2014

Title: “Microbiome interplay: plants alter microbial abundance and diversity within the built environment”
Authors: A. Mahnert, C. Moissl-Eichinger, G. Berg
Citations: 102
Index: Frontiers in Microbiology
Year: 2015

Conclusion:

Dr. Alexander Mahnert is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the “Best Scholar Award.” His contributions to microbiome research, planetary protection, and applied bioinformatics are groundbreaking, supported by substantial funding, innovative projects, and international recognition. With continued emphasis on expanding his influence through patents, leadership roles, and high-impact collaborations, he has the potential to further elevate his academic and professional profile.

👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Prof. Dina Helmy Ibrahim El-Ghonemy is an Associate Professor at the National Research Centre in Cairo, Egypt, specializing in microbial chemistry within the Biotechnology Research Institute. She holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Ain Shams University and an M.Sc. in Microbiology from Cairo University. Her research focuses on the biodegradation of agricultural waste, enzyme production, biofuels, and the development of anticancer agents using filamentous fungi. With extensive experience leading research projects and international collaborations, Prof. El-Ghonemy has contributed significantly to the fields of microbial biotechnology and environmental sustainability. She is an active member of several prestigious scientific societies and has supervised numerous Ph.D. students, furthering her impact on both academia and applied research.

🎓 Educational Background:

Prof. El-Ghonemy holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology (2012) from Ain Shams University, with her thesis focusing on metabolic studies related to the degradation of amide group-containing amino acids by filamentous fungi. She also earned an M.Sc. in Microbiology from Cairo University in 2007, with research centered on β-glucosidase from fungi, and a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Ain Shams University (1999), where she graduated with honors

🔍 Research Focus:

Her research expertise lies in the field of microbiology, particularly in studying filamentous fungi for applications in biotechnology. Her work has addressed critical topics such as enzyme production (e.g., cellulases, keratinase, and lipase), biofuel production from agricultural wastes, and the development of anticancer agents. Prof. El-Ghonemy’s projects also emphasize environmental sustainability, contributing to industrial applications like biodiesel production and organic fertilizers.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Prof. El-Ghonemy has been recognized for her contributions to science, with notable roles as a principal investigator in several significant projects funded by prestigious bodies like the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF). Her international research presentations and memberships in top global scientific societies, such as the Society for Applied Microbiology and the World Academy of Science, Engineering, and Technology, further highlight her standing in the scientific community.

💼 Professional Experience:

Prof. El-Ghonemy began her career as an Assistant Researcher at the Microbial Chemistry Department in 2001. She has since progressed through various academic roles, including Assistant Lecturer, Researcher, and, since 2018, Associate Professor. Throughout her career, she has contributed to a number of large-scale research projects related to microbial biotechnology, with a focus on practical applications in health and industry.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Therapeutic impact of purified Trichoderma viride L-asparaginase in murine model of liver cancer and in vitro Hep-G2 cell line
Authors: El-Ghonemy, D.H., Ali, S.A., Abdel-Megeed, R.M., Elshafei, A.M.
Journal: Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Citations: 3
Year: 2023

Extracellular β-D-fructofuranosidase from a novel Aspergillus sp. DHE1 with high potential for biotechnological applications: Purification and biochemical characterization
Authors: El-Ghonemy, D.H., Ali, T.H., Selim, M.S.
Journal: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology
Citations: 2
Year: 2023

Optimization of extracellular ethanol-tolerant β-glucosidase production from a newly isolated Aspergillus sp. DHE7 via solid-state fermentation using jojoba meal as substrate: Purification and biochemical characterization for biofuel preparation
Authors: El-Ghonemy, D.H.
Journal: Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Citations: 14
Year: 2021

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of exopolysaccharides produced by a novel Aspergillus sp. DHE6 under optimized submerged fermentation conditions
Authors: El-Ghonemy, D.H.
Journal: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology
Citations: 17
Year: 2021

Effective bioconversion of feather-waste keratin by thermo-surfactant stable alkaline keratinase produced from Aspergillus sp. DHE7 with promising biotechnological application in detergent formulations
Authors: El-Ghonemy, D.H., Ali, T.H.
Journal: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology
Citations: 17
Year: 2021

Conclusion:

Dr. El-Ghonemy is an accomplished researcher with notable contributions to microbiology and biotechnology, particularly in enzyme production, biofuels, and anticancer agents. Her leadership in significant projects, active participation in the scientific community, and academic mentorship are commendable. To strengthen her candidacy for a Best Researcher Award, increasing her peer-reviewed publications and fostering broader global collaborations would be advantageous.