Babu Z Fathepure

Professor 

Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics 
421 Life Sceinces East 
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK, 74078
Telephone: (405)- 744-7764  Voicemail: (405)-744-679
Email: babu.fathepure@okstate.edu

Education
Bachelors of Science: Major- Chemsitry, Minor- Botany, Karanataka University, Dharwar, India (1974)
Masters of Science: Biochemisty, Karanataka University, Dharwar, India (1978)
Ph.D: Environmental Microbiology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India (1985) 

Work Experience 
Associate Professor, Dept. of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (2006) 
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Microbiology & Moelcular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (2000-2006) 
Senior Microbiologist, McNamee, Porter & Seeeley Inc., Ann Arbor, MI (1998-99)
Associate Research Scientist, Univeristy of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (1994-99)
Senior Scientist, Conoco Inc./Dupont, Ponca City, OK (1991-94)
Visiting Assistant Professor, Michigan State University, Dept of Civil & Environmental Engineering, East Lansing, MI (1987-91) 
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Michigan State University, Dept of Crop & Soil Sciences, East Lansing, MI (1984-87) 

Research Fellowships and Awards
Indian Institute of Science Fellowship 
Indian Council of Medical Research Fellowship
Award of Science and Technology Agency of Japan 
Award for Highest GPA in College 

Patent 
Method for Microbial Dehalogenation of Haloaliphatic Coumpunds using the Sulfate Reducing Bacterium, Desulfomonile tiedjei. US 5200343-A-930406

Professional Affiliations 
American Society for Microbiology 
National Ground Water Asscoiation 
International Scoety for Microbial Ecology 

Teaching 
Introductory Microbiology (MICR 2124) 
Advanced Microbiology (MICR 3224) 
Environmental Microbiology (MICR 4113)
Microbial Ecology (MICR 4124)
Recent Advances (MICR 6120) 

Current Research Focus

Bioremediation is a promising biological approach for the remediation of contaminated sites. However, real world application of this technology is limited by the incomplete understanding of the fundamentals of microbial processes that govern the fate of environmental pollutants. Chlorinated solvents and petroleum hydrocarbons are common soil and groundwater pollutants. Cost-effective and innovative remediation methods are needed for treating these contaminants. In this context, my research efforts are focused on the biodegradation of chlorinated and petroleum hydrocarbons using innovative microbial processes.

One of my new research focuses at OSU is the analysis of microbial community structure and dynamics in animal waste lagoons. A large problem facing swine operations is developing economical and environmentally safe waste management systems. Microbes play a key role in the digestion of organic waste and the production of malodorous compounds in waste lagoons. Currently, very little is known about spatial and temporal changes in microbial community structure induced by biotic or abiotic factors in holding ponds. Also, only a few studies have documented the potential for groundwater contamination by pathogenic organisms and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in natural populations. In this context, my initial focus is to look at community profile, structure, responses to disturbances in a lagoon treating swine waste using molecular tools. Specifically, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) have emerged as powerful tools for bacterial community analysis.

Specifically, my current research projects address: 

Project 1. Biodegradation of vinylchloride (VC) and cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) by aerobic organisms:
Isolate and study microbial physiology and ecology of cis-DCE and/or VC-assimilating organisms from various chloroethene-contaminated aquifers. Assess degradation kinetics and bioaugmentation potential of the isolated strains.

Project 2. Biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (BTEX) by halotolerant and halophilic organisms under aerobic and anaerobic conditions:
Isolate and study microbial physiology and ecology of BTEX degrading bacteria and archaea from hypersaline environments. Assess degradation kinetics and bioaugmentation potential of the isolated strains. Develop species-specific primers to assess ecological distribution of the isolated halophiles.

Project 3. Study microbial diversity and dynamics in animal waste lagoons using 16S rDNA probes, t-RFLP, and DGGE techniques.