We are currently facing several global crises such as ecosystem degradation, environmental pollution, and climate warming. These are the topics on which the future of our planet depends. Therefore, one of my research goals is to address these problems with all the tools and knowledge I gained so far.
My research interest focuses on microbially-driven processes in ecosystems affected by anthropogenic activities, their relevance to biogeochemical cycles, and contaminants’ and nutrients’ bio(trans)formation. I study how human activities (i.e. agricultural and industrial run-offs, wastewater discharge, industrialization) and geogenic contaminants contribute to ecosystem deterioration and how they drive the microbial community structure and function. Furthermore, in my research, I aim to find solutions to some of these problems via bioremediation, bioaugmentation, synthetic microbiology, or bioengineering. I believe that solutions to problems created by humans are already available in nature, we just need to find them, understand them, optimize them, and apply them to bioengineered systems.
Anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME-2) can couple oxidation of methane to the reduction of various electron acceptors such as sulfate, nitrate, iron, and manganese oxides. Sulfate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (S-DAMO), a process mediated by consortia of methanotrophic archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria, was first discovered in marine sediment. The nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (N-DAMO) discovered in freshwater sediment was shown however to be driven by either nitrate-reducing ANME-2 archaea independently or in consortia of ANME-2 archaea and nitrite-reducing bacteria. Recently, studies provided evidence of metal(loid)-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (M-DAMO). Recent studies suggested that in the M-DAMO process besides iron and manganese oxides, other metals and metalloids can be used as electron acceptors such as chromium (VI), selenium (VI), vanadium (V), bromine (V) and antimony(V). Therefore in my research, I explored the metabolism of ANME-2 archaea to use these toxic compounds and explore new solutions to the pressing problems of heavy metals contamination and greenhouse gas emissions potentially applicable in wastewater treatment.
Driven by a passion for science and education, my journey has taken me across the globe, where I’ve studied and worked in diverse cultural settings. This international exposure has honed my interpersonal and communication skills, enabling me to effectively engage with scientists and students from various backgrounds. As a result, I am adept at fostering a fair, diverse, and inclusive academic environment. Click on the map below to explore my scientific odyssey in detail.
Poland
Wrocław
BSc (2006-2009)
MSc (2009-2011)
My passion for research began at a young age and has since evolved throughout my academic journey. I grew up on a farm and quickly learned about the impact agriculture has on the environment, which motivated me to pursue a BSc and an MSc program in Environmental Protection at the University of Wroclaw, Poland. During these first steps in my academic path, I was studying how organic and conventional farming influence soil quality and the heavy metal contents in vegetables. It was during this time that my interest in agricultural contaminants, heavy metals, and toxic metalloids began to take root, and it has remained the central focus of my research ever since.
During my MSc, I participated in an Erasmus study exchange program at the Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium. To challenge myself I decided to take all courses in French (Ecology and Biogeography of Belgium, Management of Plant-Soil System, Environmental Pollution, and Forestry)… Well, I failed some of them but it was still a life-changing experience. Ultimately I learned French and met my husband-to-be which motivated me later to Canada.
Belgium
Erasmus study (January – June 2010)
Belgium
Erasmus internship (July – October 2010)
I completed a 3-month internship at the Institut Bruxellois pour la Gestion de l’Environnement (IBGE) in Brussels, Belgium. My main responsibility involved fieldwork where I tested the plant habitat classification system (BioHab) in urban areas. This included identifying plant habitats, updating maps utilizing ArcGIS software, and exploring various parks throughout Brussels. It was a fulfilling experience that allowed me to combine practical fieldwork with technical skills, all while having fun exploring the green nooks of Brussels.
To tackle environmental challenges in agriculture (and following my heart) I relocated to Montreal, Canada where I joined Prof. Smith’s lab at McGill University. During this time I worked with biochar as a soil amendment and explored how phosphate mobilizing and nitrogen-fixing microorganisms can improve crop productivity. In collaboration with an industrial partner, I developed an innovative biochar-based seed-coating inoculum. This research not only initiated my interest in agricultural microbiology but also underscored the importance of synergizing science and industry to address the environmental challenges we currently encounter.
Canada
McGill University
Research Assistant (2011-2012)
MSc (2012-2014)
Biochar-coated corn seeds
Panama
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (2014-2015)
After enduring three chilly years in Canada, I embarked on a transformative journey in Panama. Initially, I contributed to the non-profit organization promoting permaculture, where I not only led educational programs in permaculture but was also responsible for building relationships with universities, local communities, and non-governmental organizations. These experiences played a pivotal role in developing my skills in effective knowledge communication and community engagement, integral aspects of my academic trajectory.
Embracing cultural exchange: Teaching English while learning to prepare traditional Panamanian cuisine with the local community
Amazing insect diversity during fieldwork at Agua Salud
Subsequently, I spent several months working at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama supporting the “Agua Salud” project aiming to study different aspects of the reforestation of Panama Canal Watershed. It was an exciting adventure, as conducting daily fieldwork in the tropics felt like embarking on a fascinating exploration of an exotic world. Moreover, during my internship at the STRI Naos Molecular Laboratory, I had a chance to delve into cutting-edge molecular techniques to study microbial communities of native and teak trees. The knowledge acquired during this period has been seamlessly integrated into my scientific pursuits.
Measuring sap fluxes was sometimes
challenging when unexpected visitors occupied the sampling ports.
Returning to Poland, I took on the role of a research assistant at the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation. During this time, I explored different microbial biomarkers for soil health assessment and worked on bioinoculants for legumes commercially available for farmers. These diverse experiences have refined my research focus, centering on agricultural microbiology.
Poland
Puławy
The Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation (2016-2017)
Germany
Universität Tübingen (2017-2020)
Recognizing my passion for science, I committed to pursue my academic journey and obtain a Ph.D. in Prof. Kappler’s group at the University of Tübingen, Germany. My doctoral journey unfolded within an interdisciplinary and international consortium of scientists united in the common goal of unraveling the mechanisms behind arsenic groundwater contamination in Southeast Asia. This extraordinary experience emphasized the indispensability of integrating knowledge from diverse disciplines to understand complex environmental processes. Engaging closely with project collaborators, I immersed myself in state-of-the-art hydrochemistry, mineralogy, and geochemistry methods, seamlessly complementing my expertise in geomicrobiology. The focal point of my Ph.D. project was the investigation of microbially mediated iron reduction, shedding light on the intricate processes leading to arsenic mobilization.
Through this work, I not only discovered new insights into the mechanisms of arsenic groundwater contamination but also contributed to bridging knowledge gaps in arsenic and iron biogeochemistry. Building on this foundation, I established valuable collaborations, ultimately leading to my transition to the Department of Microbiology as a postdoctoral researcher at Radboud University.
Before the drilling campaign, we had to pay respect and give some offerings to the ancestors buried in the field
Without the help of local people this work would not be possible
First core out
Hundreds of samples were collected for DNA and RNA extraction
It was not easy to work “sterile”
Starting a postdoctoral position at the Radboud University during the tough times of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown had its challenges. However, I managed to navigate these hurdles by cultivating stimulating collaborations within the Department of Microbiology (link) and the RIBES Institute (link). During my postdoctoral phase, under the supervision of Dr. Welte and Prof. Jetten, I continued the research initiated during my Ph.D. and expanded into new research lines, delving into different facets of anaerobic methane oxidation.
Netherlands
Radboud University
Postdoc (2021-2023)
Pretty amazing bioreactor lab in our department
As of July 2023, I was appointed for the Assistant Professor position in the Department of Microbiology at Radboud University. This exciting opportunity allows me to build my research group and develop new research lines focusing on environmental microbiology, bioremediation, and biogeochemical processes. To know more about ongoing research check the section “Research”.
Hunting for nitrate-dependent methane-oxidizing archaea
