Manoj Kamalanathan, PhD

Education

Ph.D. Algal physiology and biochemistry, Monash University

M.Sc. Applied Microbiology, VIT University

B.Sc. Microbiology, Jai Hind College, Mumbai University

Research Interests

I am a biochemist and a physiologist interested in exploring the potential of algae to discover solutions to key biotechnological and environmental issues. Algae, although microscopic in size, are central to various biogeochemical processes, and are a source of several commercially important products. For the last ten years, I have specialized in exploring the industrial (biofuels and astaxanthin production), ecological (algae-bacteria interaction), and toxicological (oil spills and PFAS) aspects of algae using a creative approach of utilizing a mix of lab and field studies.

My interests include developing algal-based solutions to climate change challenges, studying microbial ecosystems by understanding how algae respond to the changing aquatic ecosystems. Algal metabolism plays a pivotal role in driving critical environmental processes that govern planetary health, and alterations to these metabolic pathways could have far-reaching, cascading effects on the planet due to their significant interactions with the atmosphere. I believe that a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between algal metabolism, environmental drivers, and ecosystem responses, can advance our predictive capabilities regarding the potential consequences shaping our planet's future. Furthermore, I also believe that a deeper understanding of algal metabolism can unlock innovative strategies for the development of sustainable agriculture products, clean energy solutions, and carbon dioxide removal techniques.

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