The Microbiologist gets to know our new Global Ambassador for Saudi Arabia, Alexandre S Rosado, who is Professor of Bioscience at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
Professor Alexandre Rosado is a Microbial Ecologist studying different aspects of microbial and microbiome sciences. Rosado’s research is inter- and multidisciplinary at the interface of basic and applied environmental processes (microbes/microbiome-based solutions).
What first sparked your love of microbiology?
My love for microbiology was sparked by my first microbiology class long ago as an undergraduate in biological sciences. I fell in love with the power of microbes, even though they are tiny. My fascination grew when I began understanding microbial diversity and its crucial roles in regulating global nutrient cycles, greenhouse gas exchange, and disease transmission. This interest was further fueled by the potential of microorganisms in environmental sustainability and their applications in space exploration.
What’s the microbe that most fascinates you and why?
Extremophiles are the microbes that most fascinate me. These organisms thrive under severe conditions such as extreme temperatures, pH levels, and pressures. Their resilience and the potential biotechnological applications they offer, especially in harsh environments like deserts, volcanoes, hydrothermal vents, and hot springs, make them particularly intriguing.
It is fascinating to explore the limits of life on our planet, the possibility of similar life forms on other planets or moons, and how to exploit the colossal biotech potential of extremophiles to solve Earth’s issues.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
The best career advice I have ever received is to be passionate about your work. Believing in yourself and having passion is essential; scientific life is a roller-coaster, and you must believe in your work despite the drawbacks. On a more technical level, integrating interdisciplinary research approaches and bridging basic research with applied biotechnological solutions has allowed me to address complex environmental challenges and contribute significantly to scientific knowledge and innovation.
What real-world problem would you eventually love to solve with microbiology?
I am driven by total curiosity and would love to test the limits of life on our planet. I would love to solve the problem of environmental degradation through microbiological interventions. By harnessing the capabilities of beneficial microorganisms for bioremediation, ecological restoration, and sustainable agriculture, we can mitigate the impacts of human activities and environmental changes, ultimately contributing to a healthier planet.
What keeps you awake at night?
The urgency of addressing environmental challenges and the need for rapid scientific advancements to develop sustainable solutions keep me awake at night. The commitment to fostering a better world and ensuring that humanity takes the necessary steps towards environmental sustainability is a constant motivation. Sometimes, what keeps me awake is a fascinating novel microbe, and I am trying to solve the puzzle of its metabolic ways to cope with extreme environmental conditions, like oligotrophic environments etc.
What do you do to relax in your spare time?
I enjoy exploring the diverse natural environments that inspire my research in my spare time. This includes spending time in nature, scuba diving, engaging in outdoor activities, and appreciating the biodiversity that fuels my passion for microbiology. I love watching movies, traveling, and learning about new countries, cultures, and food.
Why did you apply to become a Global Ambassador, and what would you like to do in your new role?
I applied to become a Global Ambassador to spread the word about microbes’ power and promote diversity and inclusion in academic and leadership roles, encouraging young students to join the scientific community. In my new role, I aim to foster a diverse and dynamic research environment, contribute to global collaborations, and advance microbial ecosystem research to shape a sustainable future for our planet.
Alexandre S Rosado is a former Full Professor at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and Visiting Professor at the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California - Davis, USA.
He was Director of the Institute of Microbiology (2010-2014) and Vice-President of the Brazilian Society of Microbiology (2011-2014). He holds a BSc in Biological Sciences, MSc (Microbiology), PhD in Microbiology from UFRJ and Wageningen University & Research (WUR), The Netherlands.
Global Ambassadors have a range of expertise and knowledge across regions and sectors, and support and promote applied microbiology and our organisation. They serve for a two-year tenure promoting AMI’s strategy and are a key source of information about our work. They play a pivotal role in our communication strategy and are equipped with marketing materials and merchandise to assist in growing membership in their regions.
We are also looking for Global Ambassadors from a variety of regions! To find out more, click HERE.
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