2024:
Our lab's story published today by U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eFtNa8q2. Alternatively, the article can be accessed by visiting: https://science.osti.gov/-/media/wdts/pdf/intern-highlights/WDTS_Mautusi-Mitra_Lab-Story_ORNL_VFP_9-23-24.pdf
Wolves Research Bites Podcast, powered by the Institute For Faculty Excellence (UWG) and created by Collin Books (Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education, UWG):
https://www.wondercraft.ai/studio/e/Me5mXcmF
Summer 2024 ORISE-VFP Research Story:
Our research lab at the University of West Georgia has isolated three novel bacteria strains (Sphingobium yanoikuyae strain CC4533, Acidovorax temperans strain LMJ, and a novel Microbacterium sp. strain Clip185) and have sequenced their genomes. The focus of our summer 2024 VFP research project at the Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) was to evaluate the above-stated novel bacterial strains for lignin and plastic valorization. My and my ORISE-VFP-student, Mr. Chukwuemeka Okpala's summer 2024 VFP research at ORNL has shown that these three bacterial strains can utilize multiple lignin aromatics for growth. Additionally, strain LMJ and Clip185 can degrade plastics like bis (2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate) and polylactic acid, respectively. Our preliminary research findings at ORNL has set the stage for future research collaborations with ORNL scientists to develop genetically-engineered bacterial strains for conversion of lignin and plastic waste streams into valuable chemicals. This research is of interest to DOE for enhancement of carbon efficiency, economic viability, and Environmental sustainability.
2019:
Education and Outreach at the Plant Biology 2019 #ASPBForward Innovation Pavilion.
Education Concurrent Symposium at Plant Biology 2019 Showcases Novel Ways to Increase Student Interest and Engagement with Plants.
2018:
Johns Creek college student garners research award for genetic research.
ASPB Educational Outreach: A Rockstar Booth at NSTA 2018
a) Dr. Mautusi Mitra “BLOOMEs” with $35,919 grant from the American Society of Plant Biologists.
b) ASPB Plant Science Today: Plant BLOOME 2018 Winners Announced, August 15th 2018.
2012:
Young Women’s Investigator Award from the American Society of Plant Biologists.
2010:
Going Green...Literally, Journal of Young Investigators.
2008:
Green Car Congress: Optimizing Algae for Biofuels by Genetically Truncating Their Chlorophyll arrays.