I am a biochemist by education with expertise in protein biochemistry and molecular biology techniques aquired mostly in the Institute of Biochemistry where I completed my PhD, studying the processes occurring in the ER during glycoproteins' maturation. In the last 19 years since I got my permanent position at the Institute of Speleology, I switched to molecular microbiology, investigating the microbial communities from underground ecosystems (caves). Microorganisms diversity and metabolism related to the subterranean specific conditions and how these are impacted by the global/local climate changes are my main scientific interests. Beside various studies on the underground microbiome from various types of caves (ice caves, limestone caves etc.) one of my current projects is focused on infectious diseases that may originate in caves. In this project we link zoonoses with mammal vectors (e.g. fox, bat) using the caves and carriers of different pathogens. Since 1994 while still MSc student, I joined the Group for Underwater and Spelologycal Exploration, an environmental ngo focused on underwater and underground environments investigation and protection. I also collaborate with the Department of Biochemsitry of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy since 30 year.
In brief, I am interested in projects focused on environmental changes (e.g. desertification) due to climate changes reflected by changes in microbial communities in terms of diversity, adaptations, abundace etc.
Biochemistry
Biogeochemistry
Biogeography
Bioprocesses and Applied Microbiology
Cellular Biology
Conservation Biology
Ecology
Ecophysiology
Evolutionary Biology
Flow of energy and matter
Hydrobiology
Infectious Diseases
Landscape ecology
Marine Biology
Metabolism
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Mycology
Paleontology
Phylogeography
Public Health and Environmental Health
I would like to participate in any project focused on underground environments represented by caves and/or karstic areas.