Kishore Gopalakrishnan (gc5668)

Biological Sciences (Eco-Toxicology Lab)
 

5047 Gullen Mall St., Detroit, MI

Dr. Kishore Gopalakrishnan is a Research Scientist at Wayne State University, specializing in environmental science, biotechnology and ecotoxicology. His research focuses on the ecological impacts of pollutants such as microplastics and harmful algal blooms, with an emphasis on microalgae and cyanobacteria in wastewater treatment, resource recovery and bioenergy production.

He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand and holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in industrial biotechnology from Annamalai University and Anna University, India, respectively. His work on cyanotoxins affecting invasive species like quagga mussels and his research on microalgae for sustainable biofuel production and environmental remediation have advanced ecological management strategies.

Dr. Gopalakrishnan is committed to both research and education, having taught courses in bioprocess engineering, fermentation technology and environmental science. His ongoing work aims to develop innovative, practical solutions to environmental challenges and promote ecological sustainability.

• Microbial communities and biotechnology: Focus on the role of microalgae and cyanobacteria in environmental sustainability and biotechnology applications.
• Environmental impact of pollutants: Study of microplastics, harmful algal blooms and other pollutants on aquatic ecosystems.
• Cyanobacterial toxins: Isolation, identification and characterization of novel cyanotoxins that affect invasive species like quagga mussels.
• Wastewater treatment and resource recovery: Investigating the potential of microalgae for wastewater treatment, biofuel production and resource recovery.
• Aquatic ecotoxicology: Assessing the physiological and biochemical effects of pollutants on aquatic organisms, including mussels and fish.
• Algal biofuels and bioenergy: Research on optimizing algae for biofuel and bioenergy production, focusing on high-value biofuels and lipids.
• Invasive species management: Developing sustainable control methods for invasive species using biological agents like cyanobacteria.

Dr. Kishore Gopalakrishnan’s research focuses on the intersection of environmental sustainability and biotechnological innovation, with particular emphasis on microbial communities, microalgae and cyanobacteria. His work addresses critical environmental challenges, exploring the complex relationships between pollutants, aquatic ecosystems and invasive species.

One of Dr. Gopalakrishnan's primary areas of research is the study of cyanobacterial toxins and their impact on freshwater ecosystems, particularly their effects on invasive species such as quagga mussels. His work investigates the identification and characterization of novel cyanotoxins produced by cyanobacteria, which can disrupt mussel spawning and provide potential pathways for controlling invasive populations. Through this research, Dr. Gopalakrishnan seeks to develop sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to mitigate the ecological impact of invasive species in the Great Lakes and other freshwater systems.

Another key aspect of his research is the role of microalgae in environmental remediation and bioenergy production. He explores how algae can be cultivated and optimized for the production of biofuels, lipids and other valuable bioproducts, as well as their use in wastewater treatment systems for resource recovery. His studies also focus on the influence of environmental stressors such as microplastics on the growth and biochemical properties of algae, contributing to the understanding of pollutant dynamics and their ecological consequences.

Dr. Gopalakrishnan employs advanced molecular biology techniques, metabolic modeling and ecotoxicological assessments in his research, which bridges fundamental biological understanding with practical applications in ecosystem management, pollution control and sustainable resource recovery. 

• Doctoral Scholarship, University of Canterbury, 2011-2014. Prestigious scholarship awarded for excellence in research and academic performance.
• Early Career Travel Grant, Association for the Science of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), December 2018. Funding to attend and present research at the ASLO 2019 Aquatic Meeting in Puerto Rico.
• One Health Pilot Project Initiative Award, 2024-2025. Funded by the One Health Pilot Project Initiative, with a grant of $30,000 to explore interdisciplinary research in environmental health and sustainability.
• Finalist, Anderson Engineering Ventures Institute Grant, September 2016. Proposal on "High-value pigment production from newly discovered algae Ettlia species from New Zealand" selected for the final round of $5,000 funding.

• Discussing the impact of invasive mussels on the Great Lakes ecosystem, Detroit News, March 14, 2022
• Research on the combined effects of algae and microplastics in the Great Lakes, emphasizing the potential ecological risks, Detroit News, Apr. 3, 2023
• The unique threats posed by the combination of microplastics and algae in the Great Lakes, Michigan Radio interview with Dr. Gopalakrishnan, May 3, 2023
• The relationship between microplastics and harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes, The Great Lakes Commission's Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Newsletter, Spring 2023 edition

• "The Microplastics Cycle: An In-Depth Look at a Complex Topic," Applied Sciences, 2023. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the lifecycle and environmental impact of microplastics
• "Complex Interactions Among Temperature, Microplastics, and Cyanobacteria May Facilitate Cyanobacterial Proliferation and Microplastic Deposition," Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2023. This research explores how environmental stressors like temperature and microplastics influence cyanobacterial growth and microplastic accumulation
• "Extracellular Polymeric Substances in Green Alga Facilitate Microplastic Deposition," Chemosphere, 2022. This paper examines how extracellular substances produced by green algae contribute to microplastic aggregation
• "Identification of Optimal Calcium and Temperature Conditions for Quagga Mussel Filtration Rates as a Potential Predictor of Invasion," Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 2020. This study investigates how calcium levels and temperature affect the filtration efficiency of quagga mussels, providing insights into their invasive potential.
• "Microplastic Ingestion by Quagga Mussels, Dreissena bugensis, and Its Effects on Physiological Processes," Environmental Pollution, 2020. This research assesses the impact of microplastic consumption on the physiological functions of quagga mussels

Dr. Kishore Gopalakrishnan has extensive experience in the fields of biotechnology, environmental science and bioengineering, which directly supports his teaching. His research on microalgae and cyanobacteria, especially in areas like biofuel production and wastewater treatment, is highly relevant to courses in bioprocess engineering and environmental science.

His work on the effects of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems also connects well with courses on environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology. Dr. Gopalakrishnan’s use of molecular biology techniques and ecological assessments in his research helps bring practical, real-world examples to students, making complex topics easier to understand.

Additionally, his hands-on experience with bioreactors and optimizing algae growth for various applications enhances his ability to teach students about the practical aspects of biotechnology and environmental management.

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