About Me
I am a Research Professor at the Institute of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University (CNU), Yeosu, South Korea. My research expertise spans environmental toxicology, eDNA metabarcoding, microplastics, PFAS, heavy metal contamination, and marine ecosystem dynamics.
With over 60 peer-reviewed publications in international journals, my research has contributed significantly to understanding the impacts of emerging contaminants including microplastics, PFAS, heavy metals, and tire wear particles on marine and freshwater ecosystems. I have been recognized as a World's Top 2% Scientist by Stanford University and Elsevier (2023) in the field of Biotechnology and Environmental Science.
Research Focus
My research investigates the intersection of environmental pollution, ecotoxicology, and sustainable solutions. Key areas include:
Microplastics & PFAS Toxicology
Investigating the toxicity mechanisms, bioaccumulation patterns, and health effects of microplastics, nanoplastics, PFAS, and tire wear particles in aquatic organisms and human health. Published high-impact reviews in Archives of Toxicology (IF: 10.90), Journal of Hazardous Materials (IF: 10.60), and Water Research (IF: 12.80).
eDNA Metabarcoding & Marine Biodiversity
Applying Next Generation Sequencing and metabarcoding approaches to monitor biodiversity and ecosystem health in Korean aquatic environments including Seomjin River Estuary, Gwangyang Bay, Juam Lake, and Yedang Reservoir. Using QIIME2, DADA2, and R for bioinformatics analysis.
Heavy Metals & Environmental Monitoring
Studying heavy metal bioaccumulation in benthic macroinvertebrates of Korean streams and marine environments using ICP-MS and DGT (Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films). Assessing seasonal impacts of monsoon on heavy metal distribution in aquatic ecosystems.
Molecular Responses to Environmental Stressors
Studying cellular and molecular responses to environmental contaminants in model organisms including zebrafish and aquatic invertebrates, using transcriptomics and computational approaches to understand toxicity mechanisms and develop molecular biomarkers.
Biofabricated Nanomaterials
Developing eco-friendly nanoparticles and assessing their potential in environmental remediation, antimicrobial applications, and as alternatives to conventional chemicals in various environmental applications.
Professional Experience
Education
Technical Skills
Analytical Instruments
- ICP-MS maintenance and method development
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Method validation
- Soxhlet extraction and Rotary evaporation
- DGT (Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films)
Molecular Biology
- eDNA/eRNA metabarcoding (18S rRNA)
- Transcriptomics and NGS bioinformatics
- DNA/RNA isolation, qPCR, primer designing
- SDS-PAGE and Western blot
- QIIME2, DADA2, SILVA/NCBI databases
Toxicology
- Cell culture and maintenance
- Zebrafish and aquatic zooplankton culturing
- Standard and non-standard toxicity testing
- Flow cytometry and oxidative stress analysis
- Experimental animal handling and histology
Bioinformatics & Data Analysis
- R statistical analysis
- Python (Jupyter Notebook, matplotlib)
- Machine learning for environmental data
- NCBI sequence submission and analysis
- QIIME2 metabarcoding pipeline
Research Publications
Featured Publications
Publication Quality (Last 5 Years):
Q1 journals: 18 | Q2 journals: 16 | Q3 journals: 1
Books: 1 (Springer Nature) | Book Chapters: 10 | Patents: 1 (National)
View full publication list on: ORCID | ResearchGate | Google Scholar | Scopus
Awards and Honors
- Recognized as one of the World's Top 2% Scientists in the field of Biotechnology and Environmental Science — Stanford University/Elsevier 2023 ranking.
- Colonel Dr. Jeppiaar Doctoral Excellence Award for PhD research work — Sathyabama University.
- Article "The Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using an aqueous root extract of Morinda citrifolia L." listed among the Top 25 Most Downloaded Articles in Spectrochimica Acta Part A.
- SCI Rank Global Top 5% Certificate Recipient.
Contact Information
International Collaborations
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, China
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Changwon National University, South Korea