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Dr Eustace Y. Fernando

Senior Lecturer

eustace6192@as.rjt.ac.lk
+94768356210

Education

  • PhD in Environmental Biotechnology
    University of Westminster, United Kingdom (2014)
  • B.Sc (Honours) in Biotechnology
    University of Westminster, United Kingdom (2010)

Postdoctoral Appointments

  • Postdoctoral fellow at the section of Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry and Microbiology, Aalborg University, Denmark (2015 – 2018)
  • Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey institute of Technology, USA. (2022 – 2023)
  • Research Scientist at the Department of Civil, Environment and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey, USA. (2023 – 2024).

Professional Qualifications

  • Certificate course in Teaching in Higher Education (CTHE) (2020), Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
  • Advanced Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (PGCert), University of Westminster, United Kingdom (2012)
  • Certificate course in advanced vibrational spectroscopy techniques (FTIR and RAMAN spectroscopy), Aalborg University, Denmark (2017).

Memberships of Professional Bodies/Associations

  • Associate Member of Biochemical Society, United Kingdom
  • Member of American Chemical Society (ACS), USA
  • Member of Society of General Micro Biology, United Kingdom

Research Interests

My scholarly work focuses on the application of advanced molecular techniques for the identification, characterization, and functional analysis of microorganisms, particularly in environmental and industrial contexts. Throughout my academic career, I have demonstrated a sustained interest in microbial ecology, bioremediation, and bioenergy- related research. One of my key research interests lies in the use of fluorescence-based molecular tools, including fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), in combination with vibrational spectroscopy (RAMAN), for the targeted detection and analysis of prokaryotic communities. I was also engaged in research related to renewable energy and sustainable biotechnology, particularly the use of bio-electrochemical systems (BES) and cultivation and utilization of triglyceride-producing marine cyanobacteria for biodiesel applications.

      Teaching Subjects

      • BIO 3201 – Molecular Biology
      • MIB 4205 – Molecular Biotechnology
      • MIB 3208 – Environmental Microbiology
      • MIB 4207 – Microbial Genetics
      • BIO 3204 – Bioinformatics
      • BOT 2414 – Molecular Biotechnology (External)
      • ZOO 1123 – Cell Biology & Biochemistry (External)
      • ICT 4307 – Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (visiting)

      Editorial Experience

      • Conference chair – Rajarata International Research Conference (RIRC) 2019.
      • Editorial Board member for the MDPI international journal Symmetry (Impact Factor – 2.9) since October 2019.
      • Guest editor for the journal special issue titled “Symmetry in Structural Biology and Protein Characterization” for the MDPI journal Symmetry.
      • Guest Editor for the journal “Processes” special issue; Advances in Microbial Fuel Cell Technology for wastewater treatment and energy storage.

      Academic referee for scientific journals

      • Bioresource Technology (Elsevier)
      • Biodegradation (Springer)
      • Nature Water (NPG)
      • The journal of the International Society of Microbial Ecology (ISME) (NPG)
      • Environmental Science and Technology (ACS)
      • Microorganisms (MDPI)

      Current Research and Projects

      • Microbial overproduction of triglycerides and value-added chemicals using marine cyanobacteria from Sri Lankan coastal waters. (ongoing)
      • Using halophilic bacteria to mineralize industrial azo dye pollutants (ongoing)
      • Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics production using bacterial environmental isolates and waste biomass (300,000 LKR, completed project)
      • Proteomic and Machine Learning Approach to Discovery of Novel Biomarkers affiliated with Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDU) – World Bank funded AHEAD grant scheme (40 million LKR, completed project)

      Publications

      • Fernando, E., Kyazze, G., Ahsan, A. and Fernando, P., 2021. Expedited Biodegradation of Organic Pollutants and Refractory Compounds Using Bio-Electrochemical Systems. IntechOpen Book Chapter (DOI – 10.5772/intechopen.99229)
      • Dissanayake, M., Rajakaruna, N., Herath, C., Rathnayake, S. and Fernando, E., 2021. Mineralization of persistent azo dye pollutants by a microaerophilic tropical lake sediment mixed bacterial consortium. Environmental Advances, 3, 100038.
      • Hu, Y., Duan, C., Fu, D., Wu, X., Yan, K., Fernando, E., Karunarathna, S.C., Promputtha, I., Mortimer, P.E. and Xu, J., 2020. Structure of Bacterial Communities in Phosphorus-Enriched Rhizosphere Soils. Applied Sciences, 10(18), 6387. (Impact Factor – 1.7)
      • Fernando, E., McIlroy, S.J., Nierychlo, M., Herbst-Alexander, F., Schmid, M.C., Wagner, M., Nielsen, J.L., and Nielsen, P.H., (2019). Resolving the individual contribution of key microbial populations to enhanced biological phosphorus removal with Raman-FISH. International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) Journal.
      • Fernando, E., Keshavarz, T., Kyazze, G., 2018. The use of Bio-electrochemical systems in environmental remediation; A Review. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology
      • Mcilroy, S., Onetto, C., McIlroy, B., Herbst, F.A., Dueholm, M.S., Kirkegaard, R., Fernando, E., Karst, S., Nierychlo, M., Kristensen, J. and Eales, K., 2018. Genomic and in situ analyses reveal the Micropruina spp. as abundant fermentative glycogen accumulating organisms in enhanced biological phosphorus removal systems. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9,.1004.
      • Hao, L.P., McIlroy, S.J., Kirkegaard, R.H.H., Karst, S.M., Fernando, E.Y., Aslan, H., Meyer, R.L., Albertsen, M., Nielsen, P.H. and Dueholm, M.S., 2017. Novel prosthecate bacteria from the candidate phylum Acetothermia revealed by culture-independent genomics and advanced microscopy. International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) Journal.
      • McIlroy, S.J., Kirkegaard, R.H., Dueholm, M.S., Fernando, E., Karst, S.M., Albertsen, M. and Nielsen, P.H., 2017. Culture-Independent Analyses Reveal Novel Anaerolineaceae as Abundant Primary Fermenters in Anaerobic Digesters Treating Waste Activated Sludge. Frontiers in microbiology, 8 .1134.
      • Fernando, E., Keshavarz, T., Fonseka, K., Kyazze, G., 2016. Treatment of colour industry wastewater and concomitant biogenic electricity production using stacked mono-chamber type Microbial Fuel Cells. Environmental Technology 255- 264.
      • Fernando, E., Keshavarz, T., Kyazze, G., 2014a. Complete degradation of the azo dye AcidOrange-7 and bioelectricity generation in an integrated microbial fuel cell, aerobic two-stage bioreactor system in continuous flow mode at ambient temperature. Bioresource Technology 156, 155-162.
      • Fernando, E., Keshavarz, T., Kyazze, G., 2014b.External resistance as a potential tool for influencing azo dye reductive decolourisation kinetics in microbial fuel cells. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 89, 7-14.
      • Fernando, E., Keshavarz, T., Kyazze, G., 2013.Simultaneous co-metabolic decolourisation of azo dye mixtures and bio-electricity generation under thermophillic (50°C) and saline conditions by an adapted anaerobic mixed culture in microbial fuel cells. Bioresource Technology 127, 1-8.
      • Fernando, E., Keshavarz, T., Kyazze, G., 2012.Enhanced bio-decolourisation of acid orange 7by Shewanella oneidensis through co-metabolism in a microbial fuel cell. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 72, 1-9.