Photo by Kris Qua

Donna Bedard, research professor of biology at Rensselaer, has received a Fulbright Lecturing Grant in Biological Sciences. She will use the grant to travel to Prague, Czech Republic, to teach and conduct research at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT).

Bedard, an international expert in environmental bacteria and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) biodegradation, has led many studies of diverse and unusual bacteria and has contributed to a better scientific understanding of the PCB dechlorination process. Fifteen undergraduate students have conducted research in her laboratory during the six years she has been a research professor at Rensselaer, says Bedard.

As part of the Fulbright Grant, Bedard will conduct research on PCB contaminants in river and lake sediments in the Czech Republic and investigate the potential of microbial PCB remediation in sediments from the Czech sites. Bedard also will teach two graduate-level courses, Microbial Diversity and Environmental Biochemistry, to students studying environmental science and microbiology at the ICT.

"Although PCB contamination is a global problem that has received attention in the United States, Japan, and Western Europe since the late 1970s, these concerns have only recently begun to be addressed in Central European countries such as the Czech Republic," said Bedard. "My research in Prague will address unexplored issues specific to Czech sites. In addition to this research, I will help set up a new research capability there – the cultivation of environmental bacteria in an oxygen-free environment."

Bedard begins her nine-month appointment at ICT in September.

"I look forward to meeting with existing colleagues in Western Europe and forming new international collaborations with students and faculty in Central Europe during my stay in Prague," said Bedard.

Published May 9, 2005