Dr Komang Ralebitso Senior
Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Faculty of Science
Email: T.K.RalebitsoSenior@ljmu.ac.uk
Telephone: 0151 231 2097
I am Reader in Microbial Ecology. My interests in multidisciplinary translational research are to understand and harness the structure and functional activity of microbial communities to advance sustainable environmental management and forensic analysis. We achieve this by applying molecular techniques to analyse ecosystems that are impacted by biochar, pollutants, waste products and decomposition within a forensic context. My research maps against UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 [Zero Hunger], 5 [Gender Equality], 12 [Responsible Consumption and Production], 13 [Climate Action], 15 [Life on Land] and 16 [Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions].
I was Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology with Teesside University, and have held post-doctoral positions with: BioMEMS Laboratory of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; and NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Oxford (now Wallingford).
As Associate Dean (Diversity and Inclusion) for the Faculty of Science, I oversee the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the University’s EDI Strategy and Action Plan. Therefore, I facilitate and support an embedding of diversity and inclusion principles into teaching, learning, research and enterprise for an equitable experience for staff and students.
Current research contexts include:
1. Forensic ecogenomics – the study of microbial communities has recognised and emergent, yet not fully realised, potential in the science of crime scenes. We apply cutting-edge microbial ecology techniques to improve and extend the current forensic toolkit, and inform science-based resolution of crimes. [1 PhD graduated 2018; 1 PhD graduated 2020; 4 PhDs ongoing]
2. Biochar microbial ecology – biochar is a sustainable technology for carbon sequestration, improved agricultural yield and enhanced pollutant attenuation. There is a limited understanding of its impact on microbial communities and, therefore, ecosystem function. We address this key knowledge gap by investigating ecosystem microbial community dynamics and function in biochar-based bioremediation, biofiltration and N-cycling. Also, we use magnetic biochar as a tool to understand biochar impacts on microbial community composition and structure. [1 PhD graduated 2019; 1 PhD ongoing]
3. Environmental biotechnology – the aim is to understand the functional gene dynamics of complex microbial communities, which are central to the efficacy of environmentally sustainable processes such as bioremediation, anaerobic digestion and wastewater attenuation. [1 PhD graduated 2019]
4. Aspects of policy and conservation – scientific research has a recognised opportunity to inform policy development. Similarly, existing and new statements of policy can direct research initiatives. [1 PhD graduated 2015; 1 PhD graduated 2021]
PhD applications are welcome within these research themes.
Languages
Sotho, Southern
Degrees
2002, University of Natal, South Africa, PhD
1998, University of Natal, South Africa, BSc(Hons), Environmental Microbiology
1992, Queens College of The City University of New York, United States, BA Biology, Pre-Medical
Certifications
Teesside University, United Kingdom, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Academic appointments
Reader in Microbial Ecology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 2024 - present
Associate Dean (Diversity and Inclusion), Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, 2023 - present
Senior Lecturer in Microbial Ecology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, 2018 - 2024
Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology, School of Science, Engineering and Design, Teesside University, 2006 - 2018
Postgraduate training
Postgraduate Certificate in Learning & Teaching in Higher Education, United Kingdom, Teesside University, 2008 - 2009
Poster
Watson P, Shum P, Assi S, Ralebitso Senior TK. 2024. Bacterial Detectives: Investigating fabric presence and type on grave soil necrobiome dynamics The Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2024 Author Url Public Url
Watson P, Assi S, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2023. Evaluating Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared to Identify and Delineate Gravesoil Post-Exhumation of a Murine Carrion Forensic Investigation Conference: From Death to Discovery Public Url
Watson P, Assi S, Ralebitso Senior TK. 2022. Evaluating attenuated total reflectance infrared and near infrared spectroscopy for classifying M. musculus grave soil in the presence of clothing material Joint Pharmaceutical Analysis Group Symposium Author Url Public Url
Ralebitso Senior TK, Barakoti P, Dancsics D, Ellingsen K, Hall D, Robinson M, Ennis CJ. 2011. Elucidating the immediate response of total and culturable soil bacterial communities to biochar 3rd Annual Conference UK Biochar Research Centre, 24-26 May 2011, Rothamsted, United Kingdom
Marluthi S, Ralebitso Senior TK, Rahman PKSM, Ennis CJ. 2010. Biochar: Impact on soil microbial ecology 2nd Annual Conference UK Biochar Research Centre, 28-29 April 2010, Rothamsted, United Kingdom
Jones DWN, Senior E, Rahman PKSM, Ralebitso Senior TK. 2009. Anaerobic digestion of waste biomass for biofuel production: Understanding the integral bacterial associations Postgraduate Research Symposium 2009, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Jones DWN, Lord R, Street G, Rahman PKSM, Ralebitso Senior TK. 2008. Preliminary chemical and microbial characterisation of two waste streams: Laying the foundation for bio-fuel production Postgraduate Research Symposium 2008, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Ralebitso Senior TK. 2008. Teamwork makes pollutant degrading microbial communities more effective North East Contaminated Land Forum and Yorkshire Contaminated Land Forum Joint Summer ’08 Conference, University of Teesside, United Kingdom
Ralebitso Senior TK, Connolly HE, Saunders NJ. 2008. A genechip-based exploration of microbial phylogeny and function of a contaminated site: Addressing an environmental footprint of the industrial legacy 12th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology (ISME-12), Cairns, Australia
Dawson JJC, Ralebitso Senior TK, Thompson IP, Mclver L, Killham K, Kalin RM, Paton GI. 2003. Integrated physico-chemical, microbial and ecotoxicological assessment of remediation potential at a hydrocarbon impacted inter-tidal site 156th Meeting of the Society for General Microbiology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Ralebitso Senior TK, Yamazoe A, Costa C, Röling WFM, Braster M, Senior E, van Verseveld HW. 2001. Atrazine degradation by an aerobic soil microbial association 9th International Symposium for Microbial Ecology (ISME-9), Interactions in the Microbial World, 26-31 August, 2001, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Ralebitso Senior TK, Röling WFM, van Verseveld HW, Senior E. 1999. A molecular approach to characterizing atrazine and selected petroleum hydrocarbon catabolizing microbial associations isolated from soil Adaptive Strategies of Microbes in the Natural Environment, Baarn, The Netherlands
Ralebitso Senior TK, Daneel RA, Senior E. 1999. Nitrogen metabolism during the co-disposal of domestic refuse and anaerobically-digested sewage sludge South African Society of Microbiology 10th Biennial Congress, Durban, South Africa
Ralebitso Senior TK, Senior E, van Verseveld HW. 1998. Protection, from contamination by atrazine and selected petroleum hydrocarbons, of soil and groundwater by microbial intervention: A preliminary microbial study South African Society of Microbiology (KwaZulu-Natal) 11th Annual Symposium, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Journal article
Al Hamid A, Beckett R, Wilson M, Jalal Z, Cheema E, Al-Jumeily OBE D, Coombs T, Ralebitso Senior T, Assi S. 2024. Gender Bias in Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review Cureus: Journal of Medical Science, 16 :1-16 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Olakanye AO. 2022. Profiling of successional microbial community structure and composition to identify exhumed gravesoil – A preliminary study Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Cardoso FA, Barone PM. MDPI Forensic Sciences, 2 :130-143 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Orr CH, Nelson A, Lindsay S, Clements EA, Russell JJ, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2021. Changes in total and functional soil bacterial genera following biochar application to planted soil Biomolecular Research Reports, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Orr CH, Williams R, Halldórsdóttir HH, Birley A, Greene E, Nelson A, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Taylor G. 2021. Unique chemical parameters and microbial activity lead to increased archaeological preservation at the Roman frontier site of Vindolanda, UK Scientific Reports, 11 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Javan GT, Benbow ME, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2021. Editorial: Life and Death: New Perspectives and Applications in Forensic Science Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Bisker C, Taylor G, Carney H, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2021. A Combined Application of Molecular Microbial Ecology and Elemental Analyses Can Advance the Understanding of Decomposition Dynamics Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Adeoye RI, Osalaye DS, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Boddis A, Reid AJ, Fatokun AA, Powell AK, Malomo SO, Olorunniji FJ. 2019. Catalytic Activities of Multimeric G-Quadruplex DNAzymes Catalysts, 9 :613-613 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Olakanye AO, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2018. Soil metabarcoding identifies season indicators and differentiators of pig and Agrostis/Festuca spp decomposition Forensic Science International, 288 :53-58 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Page H, Orr CH. 2017. Engaging students in bioscience research to improve their learning experience Student Engagement in Higher Education Journal, 1 Publisher Url Public Url
Olakanye AO, Nelson A, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2017. A comparative in situ decomposition study using still born piglets and leaf litter from a deciduous forest FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL, 276 :85-92 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Thompson TJU, Carney HE. 2016. Microbial ecogenomics and forensic science: New methods for investigating clandestine grave sites Human Remains & Violence, 2 :41-57 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Chimutsa M, Olakanye AO, Thompson TJU, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2015. Soil fungal community shift evaluation as a potential cadaver decomposition indicator Forensic Science International, 257 :155-159 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Olakanye AO, Thompson T, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2015. Shifts in soil biodiversity-A forensic comparison between Sus scrofa domesticus and vegetation decomposition SCIENCE & JUSTICE, 55 :402-407 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Bergmann RC, Wright DA, Ralebitso Senior TK. 2015. Ecological Media Reveal Community Structure Shifts in a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Train Journal of Bioremediation & Biodegradation, 06 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Olakanye AO, Thompson T, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2014. Changes to soil bacterial profiles as a result of Sus scrofa domesticus decomposition Forensic Science International, 245 :101-106 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Orr CH. 2014. Tracking N-cycling genes in biochar-supplemented ecosystems: A perspective OA Microbiology, 2 Publisher Url Public Url
Bergmann RC, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Thompson TJU. 2014. An RNA-based analysis of changes in biodiversity indices in response to Sus scrofa domesticus decomposition FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL, 241 :190-194 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Senior E, Di Felice R, Jarvis K. 2012. Waste Gas Biofiltration: Advances and Limitations of Current Approaches in Microbiology ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 46 :8542-8573 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Ennis CJ, Evans AG, Islam M, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Senior E. 2012. Biochar: Carbon Sequestration, Land Remediation, and Impacts on Soil Microbiology CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 42 :2311-2364 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Olea M, Ahmed R, Qarib U, Shinjo K, Kazuhiro M, Ralebitso Senior TK, Hodgson S. 2011. From biomass to valuable chemicals and fuels Bridgwater AV. Proceedings of the Bioten Conference on Biomass, Bioenergy and Biofuels, :279-291
Jones DWN, Senior E, Rahman PKSM, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2011. Anaerobic digestion in a multi-stage plug flow bioreactor: Revisiting an age-old process with modern molecular tools Brigdwater AV. Proceedings of the Bioten Conference on Biomass, Bioenergy and Biofuels, Public Url
Dawson JJC, Godsiffe EJ, Thompson IP, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Killham KS, Paton GI. 2007. Application of biological indicators to assess recovery of hydrocarbon impacted soils SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY, 39 :164-177 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Ralebitso TK, Yamazoe A, Roling WFM, Braster M, Senior E, van Verseveld HW. 2003. Insights into bacterial associations catabolizing atrazine by culture-dependent and molecular approaches WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, 19 :59-67 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Costa C, Roling WFM, Braster M, Senior E, van Verseveld HW. 2003. Atrazine catabolism by a combined bacterial association (KRA30) under carbon- and nitrogen-limitations in a retentostat JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, 94 :1043-1051 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Ralebitso TK, Roling WFM, Braster M, Senior E, van Verseveld HW. 2000. 16S rDNA-based characterization of BTX-catabolizing microbial associations isolated from a South African sandy soil BIODEGRADATION, 11 :351-357 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Bisker C, Taylor G, Carney H, Javan GT, Ralebitso Senior TK. Comparative soil bacterial metabarcoding after aboveground vs subsurface decomposition of Mus musculus Scientific Reports,
preprint
Watson P, Assi S, Ralebitso Senior TK. 2024. Gravesoil derived postmortem interval using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the influence of carrion-associated fabric. American Chemical Society (ACS) DOI Publisher Url
Ogah A, Crosbie T, Ralebitso Senior T. Operationalising community resilience to climate change in developing countries: A Grounded Delphi Method (GDM) approach DOI Publisher Url
Books (edited)
2021. Life and Death: New Perspectives and Applications in Forensic Science Javan GT, Benbow ME, Ralebitso Senior T. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution and Frontiers in Microbiology, Frontiers Media SA. Lausanne 978-2-88971-489-6 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Conference publication
Noor T, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Sarker M, Wright D. 2020. Characterisation of indigenous microbial community isolated from wastewater treatment phases Baghdad/Iraq IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, The First International Conference of Pure and Engineering Sciences (ICPES2020) 871 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Noor T, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Sarker M, Wright D. 2020. Determining the impacts of environmental parameters on model microbial community dynamics isolated from Rustumihia WWTP - Iraq IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, The First International Conference of Pure and Engineering Sciences (ICPES2020) 871 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Bisker C, Carney HE, Taylor G, Ralebitso Senior T. 2019. The composition and shifts of soil bacterial and fungal communities following cadaver (Sus scrofa domesticus) and plant litter (Quercus robur) burial 71st American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Bisker C, Carney H, Gillian T, Ralebitso Senior T. 2019. Response of soil microbial communities to mammal decomposition during above-ground and subsurface decomposition: A comparison. 71st American Academy of Forensic Sciences :180-180
Ralebitso Senior TK. 2018. Forensic EcoGenomics is an Illustration of Emergent and Relevant Transdisciplinary Science Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) 2018 Conference
Ralebitso Senior TK, Olakanye AO, Bisker C. 2017. Forensic EcoGenomics – The successful application of microbial ecology techniques for enhanced forensic analysis http://books.bioscopegroup.org/books/oufk/, 1st International Caparica Conference in Translational Forensics :116-116 Publisher Url
Ralebitso TK, Senior E, van Verseveld HW. 2002. Microbial aspects of atrazine degradation in natural environments BIODEGRADATION, 9th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology (ISME-9) 13 :11-19 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Bisker C, Carney HE, Taylor G, Ralebitso Senior TK. Forensic EcoGenomics 1st Forensic Investigation Conference
Ralebitso Senior TK, Senior E, van Verseveld HW. Microbial aspects of atrazine degradation in natural environments. ISME9, OECD Meeting, Resilience of the Subsurface Ecosystem to Anthropogenic Disturbances
Ralebitso Senior TK. Contaminated land clean up – Exploring the role for biochar North East Contaminated Land Forum Annual Meeting 2015
Ralebitso Senior TK. How understanding microbiological dynamics will ensure sustainable biochar application International Conference on Latest Trends in Biotechnology and Biodiversity (ICBB-2015)
Senior E, Ralebitso Senior TK. Realising the environmental biotechnology engine potentials 1st World Congress of Environmental Biotechnology-2011 (WCEB-2011): Healthier, Safer, and Environment Friendly :74-74
Senior E, Ralebitso Senior TK, Angell J, Nduma M, Di Felice R. Gas biofiltration: What’s the stink about? Teesside University Annual Research Conference
Ralebitso Senior TK. The molecular microbial ecology of three gas works sites: Realising an industrial legacy 28th North East Contaminated Land Forum Annual Meeting 2006
Ralebitso Senior TK, Dawson J, Dickson K, Kalin RM, Killham KS, Larkin M, Paton GI, Wallace S, Thompson IP. Microbial response to enhanced bioremediation processes CL:AIRE Annual Project Conference, CL:AIRE (Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments) Annual Project Conference 2004 :145-158 Publisher Url
Ralebitso Senior TK, Senior E, Pok K-Y. How pure is ultrapure? Some microbial machinations ULTRAPURE WATER Asia 2002 Conference
Ralebitso Senior TK, Daneel R, Senior E. Nitrogen metabolism during the co-disposal of domestic refuse and anaerobically-digested sewage sludge South African Journal of Science, South African Society of Microbiology 10th Biennial Congress 95 :xvii-xvii
Watson P, Assi S, Ralebitso-Senior TK. From Threads to Timelines: Investigating Textile Influence on Grave Soil PMI Estimation European Meeting of Forensic Archaeologists Publisher Url
Watson P, Assi S, Ralebitso Senior T. Utilising attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy to locate, identify and differentiate murine grave soil RSC Interest Group – Molecular Spectroscopy Author Url Publisher Url
Watson P, Ralebitso Senior T, Assi S. Investigating the Impact of Carrion-Associated Clothing Material on Gravesoil 16S Community Composition and Arrangement Forensic Investigation Conference: From Death to Discovery
Ralebitso Senior TK, Olakanye A, Bisker C, Watson P. Microbial forensic ecology: Applying multivariate analyses for postmortem interval determination 3rd International Caparica Conference in Translational Forensics Publisher Url
Ralebitso Senior T, Bakstad P, Lee D, Durowoju O, Downes G. Associate Deans for Diversity and Inclusion: Local approaches to embedding inclusion LJMU Students at the Heart Conference (Session 49) Author Url
Chapters
Olakanye AO, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2018. Assessing subsurface decomposition and potential impacts on forensic investigations Forensic Ecogenomics: The Application of Microbial Ecology Analyses in Forensic Contexts :145-176 DOI Publisher Url
Ralebitso Senior TK, Olakanye AO. 2018. General introduction: method applications at the interface of microbial ecology and forensic investigation Ralebitso Senior TK. Forensic EcoGenomics: The Application of Microbial Ecology Analyses in Forensic Contexts :1-35 Academic Press. London, United Kingdom 9780128093603 DOI Publisher Url
Bisker C, Ralebitso Senior TK. 2018. The method debate: a state-of-the art analysis of PMI estimation techniques Ralebitso Senior TK. Forensic EcoGenomics: The Application of Microbial Ecology Analyses in Forensic Contexts :61-85 Academic Press. London, United Kingdom 9780128093603 DOI Publisher Url
Ralebitso Senior TK, Pyle MKP. 2018. Implications of the investigative animal model Ralebitso Senior TK. Forensic EcoGenomics: The Application of Microbial Ecology Analyses in Forensic Contexts :87-111 Academic Press. London, United Kingdom 9780128093603 DOI Publisher Url
Cai J, Dawson L, Javan GT, Özsoy S, Quaak FCA, Ralebitso Senior TK. 2018. From experimental work to real crime scenes and the courts Ralebitso Senior TK. Forensic EcoGenomics: The Application of Microbial Ecology Analyses in Forensic Context :177-209 Academic Press. London, United Kingdom 9780128093603 DOI Publisher Url
Ralebitso Senior TK. 2018. Summary: an assessment of achievements, limitations and potential of forensic ecogenomics Ralebitso Senior TK. Forensic EcoGenomics: The Application of Microbial Ecology Analyses in Forensic Contexts :211-233 Academic Press. London, United Kingdom 9780128093603 DOI Publisher Url
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Olakanye AO. 2018. General Introduction: Method Applications at the Interface of Microbial Ecology and Forensic Investigation FORENSIC ECOGENOMICS: THE APPLICATION OF MICROBIAL ECOLOGY ANALYSES IN FORENSIC CONTEXTS :1-35 978-0-12-809360-3 DOI
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Ennis CJ, Orr CH, Barakoti P, Pickering J. 2016. DGGE-Profiling of Culturable Biochar-Enriched Microbial Communities Ralebitso Senior TK, Orr CH. Biochar Application: Essential Soil Microbial Ecology :78-108 9780128034361 DOI Publisher Url
Orr CH, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2016. Summation of the Microbial Ecology of Biochar Application Ralebitso Senior TK, Orr CH. Biochar Application: Essential Soil Microbial Ecology :293-311 9780128034361 DOI Publisher Url
Orr CH, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Prior S. 2016. Microbial Ecology of the Rhizosphere and Its Response to Biochar Augmentation Ralebitso Senior TK, Orr CH. Biochar Application: Essential Soil Microbial Ecology :199-220 9780128034361 DOI Publisher Url
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Orr CH. 2016. Microbial Ecology Analysis of Biochar-Augmented Soils: Setting the Scene Ralebitso Senior TK, Orr CH. Biochar Application: Essential Soil Microbial Ecology :1-40 9780128034361 DOI Publisher Url
Steiner C, Bayode AO, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2016. Feedstock and Production Parameters: Effects on Biochar Properties and Microbial Communities Ralebitso Senior TK, Orr CH. Biochar Application: Essential Soil Microbial Ecology :41-54 9780128034361 DOI Publisher Url
Maurathan N, Orr CH, Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2015. Biochar adsorption properties and the impact on naphthalene as a model environmental contaminant and microbial community dynamics: A triangular perspective Lucas-Borja ME. Soil Management: Technological Systems, Practices and Ecological Implications :64-90 Nova Publishers. New York, United States of America 9781634832946
Books (authored)
Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2018. Preface :xiii-xiv DOI Publisher Url
Ralebitso-Senior TK. 2018. Forensic Ecogenomics: The Application of Microbial Ecology Analyses in Forensic Contexts :1-241
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Orr CH. 2016. Biochar Application: Essential Soil Microbial Ecology :1-323
Editorial/letter to the editor
Hesham AE-L, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Zhang Y, Li QX. 2015. Environmental Biotechnology: Current Advances, New Knowledge Gaps, and Emerging Issues BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, 2015 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Award:
JMSU VP Education Award – JMSU Student Experience Awards 2024. 2024
Vice Chancellor's Awards for Excellence in Research and Knowledge Exchange: Postgraduate Research Supervisor [Faculty of Science Winner], Liverpool John Moores University. 2023
Vice Chancellor's Awards for Excellence in Research and Knowledge Exchange: Postgraduate Research Supervisor [University Winner], Liverpool John Moores University, https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/news/articles/2023/12/19/rke2023. 2023
Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in promotion of EDI in Research and Knowledge Exchange [Faculty of Science Winner], Liverpool John Moores University. 2022
Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research & Knowledge Exchange Support [Faculty of Science Winner], Liverpool John Moores University. 2022
Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research and Knowledge Exchange Support - ProjectSHAPE [Faculty of Science Winner], Liverpool John Moores University. 2022
Faculty of Science Teaching Award (FoSTA), Faculty of Science. 2022
Teaching and Learning Excellence Awards: Individual Teaching Excellence Award, Liverpool John Moores University. 2022
Research Grants Awarded:
British Council, From Liverpool to Africa: An International knowledge exchange conSortium to inform policy cHAnge and Promote womEn in science (SHAPE), Komang Ralebitso Senior, Liverpool John Moores University; Professor Paola Wood, University of Pretoria; Dr Francis Chukwudi Akalazu, University of Port Harcourt; Professor Barry Andrews, University of Western Cape; Mr Umesh Bawa, University of Western Cape; Professor Monaheng Sefotho, University of Johannesberg; Dr Mayri Alejandra Diaz, University of Salford, Grant value (£): 25,000, Duration of research project: 12months. 2023
LJMU; QR-Policy Support Fund, Development of accelerated artificial intelligence machine learning (AIML) online training for everyone everywhere, Professor Dhiya Al-Jumeily (Principal Investigator); Dr Sulaf Assi (Co-Investigator 1)), Grant value (£): £10,000, Duration of research project: 1 year. 2023
Applied Microbiology International, The potential and role of forensic microbiology in crime resolution within sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs), Dr Kirstie Scott; Dr Nicholas Dawnay, Grant value (£): 2,500, Duration of research project: 8 weeks. 2023
The Royal Society_International Exchanges 2022, Equitable Access to Sustainable Development: Biochar Application to Halt degradation of Agronomic Land and Improve Crop Yield in Peri-Urban Areas [Project IES\R3\223038], Dr Nthabiseng Motete, South African Agricultural Research Council, Grant value (£): £12,000, Duration of research project: 24 months. 2023
Applied Microbiology International (AMI), Inaugural AMI Global Ambassador Conference: Climate Change and Diversity & Inclusion, Grant value (£): 15,000 [In Kind]. 2023
LJMU Thematic Doctoral Programme, Towards Enhanced Inclusion & Diversity in Forensic Research [2024 - 2028 Cohort], Prof Caroline Wilkinson, Prof Dhiya Al-Jameily, Dr Frederic Bezombes, Dr Nick Dawnay, Dr Wasiq Khan, Dr Jessica Liu, Dr Heather Panter, Dr Komang Ralebitso-Senior, Dr Kirstie Scott, Dr Sarah Shrimpton, Dr Kyoko Yamaguchi, Grant value (£): 517,500, Duration of research project: 4 years. 2023
British Council, From Liverpool to Brazil: A Transatlantic Knowledge Exchange Consortium to Promote Women in Science, Dr Nicola Hopkins, Dr Ale Diaz, Dr Komang Ralebitso Senior, Grant value (£): 30,000, Duration of research project: 12 months. 2021
QR Global Challenges Research Funding Scheme, Liverpool John Moores University, Research Visit to Existing and New Stakeholders to Extend a Current Partnership and Further a Developed Global Challenges Grant Application, Grant value (£): 3,000, Duration of research project: 10 days. 2019
Liverpool John Moores University Research Committee, Development of split G-Quadruplex DNAzymes for construction of gated biosensors (REF Upskilling 2018), Dr Amanda Boddis; Dr Amos Fatokun; Dr Femi Olorunniji; Dr Andrew Powell; Dr T. Komang Ralebitso-Senior; Dr Amanda Reid, Grant value (£): £15,000, Duration of research project: 1 year. 2018
Liverpool John Moores University: Faculty-School Matched Seed Corn Funding 2017-18, Seed Corn Funding: Establishing Forensic Ecogenomics and Biochar Research at LJMU, Grant value (£): £10,018.48. 2018
Liverpool John Moores University, Next-Generation Sequencing of Bacterial Communities from Three Different Soils Impacted by Decomposing Mouse (Mus Musculus) as a Human Taphonomic Proxy to Determine Indicators for Time-Since-Burial, Amy Rattenbury, Wrexham Glyndŵr University, Wales, Grant value (£): £6,447. 2018
Teesside University, Department for Learning and Development: Students as Researchers, Biochar Within a Hydroponic System & Response of Nitrogen-Cycling Bacteria to Biochar Addition, With Dr Caroline Orr, Grant value (£): £2,106. 2015
Society for Applied Microbiology: President's Fund, Invited Conference Paper, "How Understanding Microbiological Dynamics Will Ensure Sustainable Biochar Application"; International Conference on Latest Trends in Biotechnology and Biodiversity (ICBB-2015), 24-26 August 2015, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Grant value (£): 1,200. 2015
Teesside University, Department for Learning and Development: Students as Researchers, Response of Nitrogen-Cycling Bacteria to Biochar Addition, With Dr Caroline H. Orr, Grant value (£): 890. 2015
Society for Applied Microbiology: Students into Work, The Effect of Biochar on the Nitrogen-Fixing (nifH) Communities in Clover-Associated Rhizosphere Soil, Grant value (£): 2,500. 2014
Teesside University: University Research Fund, Response of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria to Biochar, Dr Caroline Orr, Grant value (£): 5,000. 2014
SPARK KTN Awards, Project Elm_Microbial Screening for Stereo Complex Chemicals, Dr Kris Wadrop; Dr Helen Carney; Dr Caroline Orr, Grant value (£): 5,000. 2013
Society for Applied Microbiology: Students into Work, Short-Term Effects of Biochar Augmentation of a Naphthalene-Enriched Microbial Community, Grant value (£): 2,500. 2013
Teesside University (DfLD): Students as Researchers, Molecular Analysis of Microbial Communities on “Habitat” Media to Recover Potentially Previously Uncultured Strains from a Local Wastewater Treatment Plant, With Dr David Wright, Grant value (£): 702. 2012
Society for Applied Microbiology: Students into Work, The Influences of Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Biochar on a Model Bacterial Community, Grant value (£): 2,500. 2012
Yorkshire Agricultural Society: Small Grant Scheme, Molecular Microbial Ecology of Contemporary Biochar Application, Dr Ralebitso-Senior (Principal Applicant), Professor Eric Senior, Grant value (£): 5,000. 2011
Teesside University: University Research Fund, Soil Microbial Response to Biochar, Grant value (£): 5,000. 2011
Society for Applied Microbiology: Students into Work, Molecular Characterization of the Multi-Species Methanogenic Gene Pool Driving Multi-Phase Anaerobic Digestion of Combined Municipal Solid Waste/Sewage Sludge, Professor Eric Senior, Grant value (£): 2,500. 2011
Society for Applied Microbiology: Students into Work, Soil Microbial Response to Biochar Application, Grant value (£): 2,500. 2011
Teesside University: University Research Fund, Studying the Impact of Decomposition on Soil Microbial Communities, Professor Tim Thompson, Grant value (£): 5,000. 2011
Society for General Microbiology: Vacation Studentships, Molecular Characterization of the Multi-Species Methanogenic Gene Pool Underpinning Multi-Phasic Anaerobic Digester Treatment of Combined Municipal Solid Waste/Sewage Sludge, Professor Eric Senior, Grant value (£): 1,880. 2010
Royal Society: Conference Grants Scheme, Attendance and Poster Presentation at the 12th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology [ISME-12], Cairns, Australia, Grant value (£): 1,220. 2008
Society for Applied Microbiology: President’s Fund, Attendance and Poster Presentation at the 12th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology [ISME-12], Cairns, Australia, Grant value (£): 1,000. 2008
Teesside University: University Research Fund, Attendance and Poster Presentation at the 12th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology [ISME-12], Cairns, Australia, Grant value (£): 434. 2008
Teesside University: University Research Fund, Procurement of Laboratory Microbial Ecology Equipment, Dr Helen Carney, Grant value (£): 5,000. 2008
Yorkshire Agricultural Society: Small Grant Scheme, A Genechip-Based Exploration of Microbial Phylogeny and Function on a Contaminated Site: Addressing an Environmental Footprint of the Industrial Legacy, Dr Helen Carney, Grant value (£): 6,000 (Alpha rating). 2008
Teesside University: Peter Berg Fund, Environmental DNA/RNA Extraction, Grant value (£): 1,000. 2007
Teesside University: University Research Fund, Environmental DNA/RNA Extraction: Protocol Optimisation for Functional Microarray-Based Application and Analysis, Grant value (£): 5,000. 2007
University of Teesside: University Doctoral Scholarship, Microbial-Mediated Anaerobic Digestion of Waste as Biomass for Energy Production, Grant value (£): 53,000. 2007
Media Coverage:
"Edie uncovers how microbes can shine light on dirt bike vandalism" by Linda Stewart, The Microbiologist, Applied Microbiology International Society 2023
appliedmicrobiology.org
www.the-microbiologist.com
Editorial boards:
Frontiers in Microbiology section of Ancient DNA and Forensic Microbiology, Review Editor, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/sections/ancient-dna-and-forensic-microbiology/editors. 2023
Frontiers in Soil Science Research Topic: 'Women in Soil Biology, Ecosystems and Biodiversity 2022', Lead Topic Editor, https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/38673/women-in-soil-biology-ecosystems-and-biodiversity-2022. 2022
Frontiers in Soil Science, section Soil Biology, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Review Editor, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/soil-science/sections/soil-biology-ecosystems-and-biodiversity. 2022
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, section Evolutionary and Population Genetics (2019 - 2021), Topic Editor, https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/11929/life-and-death-new-perspectives-and-applications-in-forensic-science. 2019
BioMed Research International, Lead Editor_Environmental Biotechnology Special Issue (2015), https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/. 2015
Cogent Environmental Science, Editor (2016 - 2021), https://www.cogentoa.com/journal/environmental-science/.
Frontiers in Environmental Science, Review Editor - Wastewater Management (2013 - 2017), https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/sections/wastewater-management.
International Journal of Forensic Science & Pathology, Editorial Member (2015 - 2018), http://scidoc.org/forensic-science-and-pathology.php.
Sustainable Environment, Editorial Board Member (2021 - Present), https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/oaes21.
External committees:
AMI’s Climate Action Advisory Group - UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13), Applied Microbiology International, Member (2023 - 2025), https://appliedmicrobiology.org/. 2023
North East Contaminated Land Forum Steering Group, North East Contaminated Land Forum, Steering Group Member (2015 - 2018). 2015
AMI’s Climate Action Advisory Group - UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13), Applied Microbiology International, Chair (2024 - 2025), https://appliedmicrobiology.org/.
Global Ambassadors, Applied Microbiology International, Global Ambassador - UK & Europe (2022 - Present), https://appliedmicrobiology.org/membership-community/global-ambassadors.html.
Other Professional Activity:
PhD Lead Supervisor: The Effect of Clothing and Remains Removal on Predictive Gravesoil Microbial Community Structure and Chemistry Aiding in PMI Estimation. Researcher: Miss Phebie Watson BSc(Hons) MSc. 2021
Coordinator and Co-Chair; AthenaSWAN Self-Assessment Team for School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. 2020
Coordinator for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. 2020
PhD Co-Supervisor: Investigation of the Physiological, Environmental and Molecular Mechanisms in Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) Dormancy; Dr Hamid Shaik; PhD awarded November 2015.
PhD Lead Supervisor: Changes in Soil Microbial Communities During Subsurface Decompositions; Dr Ayodeji O. Olakanye; PhD awarded April 2018.
PhD Lead Supervisor: Characterisation of Bacterial Communities of the Iraqi Rustumihia Wastewater Treatment Plant; Dr Thana Majid Zayer Noor; PhD awarded June 2019.
PhD Lead Supervisor: Climate Change in Nigeria: Assessing Policy and Practice for Community Resilience; Dr Alima Ogah; PhD Awarded 2021.
PhD Lead Supervisor: Development of a Method for Analysis of Microbial Communities Using Magnetic Biochar; Dr Adeolu O. Bayode; PhD awarded October 2019.
PhD Lead Supervisor: Microbial Forensics: Soil Microbial and Elemental Composition Change in Response to Carrion Decomposition; Dr Chawki Bisker; PhD awarded January 2020.
Previous Committee 2010 - 01/2018, School of Science, Engineering and Design Research Ethics Committee, Teesside University, Member (2010 – 01/2018), Deputy Chair (2010/11; 2014– 01/2018).
Previous Committee 2016 – 01/2018, Human Resources Excellence in Research Award Working Group, Teesside University, Member..
Previous Committees 2014 – 01/2018, Postgraduate Research Assessment Boards (formerly University Research Degrees Sub-Committee), Teesside University, – 01/2018 Deputy Chair (2015 – 01/2018), Chair Elect (2017 – 2019)..
External PGR examinations performed:
McGill University, Montreal, Canada, PhD, Biochar Impacts on Soil Microbiota and Potential Application of Biochar as an Inoculant Carrier for Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil.. 2019
Teesside University, PhD, Development of a Microbioreactor with Parallel Processing.. 2013
University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, PhD, PCR Detection, Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) Fingerprinting and Identification of the Microbial Consortia in Different Types of UASB Granules.. 2006
Conference presentation:
Bisker C, Carney H, Taylor G, Ralebitso-Senior TK (2019). Response of soil microbial communities to mammal decomposition during above-ground and subsurface decomposition: A comparison, 71st American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Oral presentation. 2019
Ralebitso-Senior TK (2018). Forensic EcoGenomics is an illustration of emergent and relevant transdisciplinary science, Forensic Archaeology Specialist Interest Group (FASIG) within the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) 2018 Conference, Oral presentation. 2018
Ralebitso-Senior TK Olakanye AO, Bisker C (2017). Forensic EcoGenomics – The successful application of microbial ecology techniques for enhanced forensic analysis, 1st International Caparica Conference in Translational Forensics, Lisbon, Portugal, Oral presentation. 2017
Bisker C, Carney, HE, Taylor, G, Ralebitso-Senior TK (2017): In situ application of forensic ecogenomics with whole mammalian surrogates (S. scrofa domesticus), Forensic Archaeology, Anthropology, and Ecology Symposium, University College London, United Kingdom., Oral presentation. 2017
Bisker C, Carney HE, Taylor G, Ralebitso-Senior TK (2017). Forensic EcoGenomics, 1st Forensic Investigation Conference, Wrexham Glyndŵr University, Wales, United Kingdom, Oral presentation. 2017
Page H, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Orr CH (2016). Engaging students in the research environment, RAISE16 Conference: ‘Excellence’ in Student Engagement, Loughborough University, United Kingdom., Oral presentation. 2016
Bisker C, Olakanye OA, Carney HE, Taylor G, Orr CH, Ralebitso-Senior TK (2016). Decomposition of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) vs. plant litter in a natural setting in North Yorkshire, 1st Teesside University PGR Conference, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom., Oral presentation. 2016
Olakanye AO, Thompson TJU, Ralebitso-Senior TK (2016). 16S bacterial taxa distributions for a decomposition study pre- and post-exhumation, SSE Technology Futures Institute Annual Research Day, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, Oral presentation. 2016
Bisker C, Carney HE, Taylor G, Orr C, Ralebitso-Senior TK (2016); Comparative study on the decomposition of Sus scrofa domesticus and Quercus robur in a natural setting, in North Yorkshire, Third Middle East Molecular Biology Congress and Exhibition, Doha, Qatar., Oral presentation. 2016
Ralebitso-Senior TK (2015). Contaminated land clean up – Exploring the role for biochar, North East Contaminated Land Forum Annual Meeting 2015, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, Oral presentation. 2015
Ralebitso-Senior TK (2015). How understanding microbiological dynamics will ensure sustainable biochar application, International Conference on Latest Trends in Biotechnology and Biodiversity (ICBB-2015), Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Oral presentation. 2015
Page H, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Orr, CH, Prior S (2015). Engaging students in the research environment, Festival of Learning Conference, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, Oral presentation. 2015
Olakanye AO, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Thompson TJU (2014). Forensic microbiology: Determining the potential of microbial community dynamics to identify decomposition locales, 10th Annual Forensic Research and Teaching Conference, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom., Oral presentation. 2014
Olaifa A, Rai P, Swann R, Todd E, Hopper M, Ralebitso-Senior TK, Senior E (2012). Drawing parallels between complex interacting microbial associations and student team work: The employability agenda in practise., Teesside University Learning & Teaching Conference, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, Oral presentation. 2012
Jones DWN, Senior E, Rahman PKSM, Ralebitso-Senior TK (2009). Research and academia: Anaerobic digestion of waste for biogas production, 10th Learning and Teaching Conference 2009, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, Oral presentation. 2009
Ralebitso-Senior TK, Dawson JJC, Huang WE, Killham KS, Liu W-T, Paton GI, Wu J-H, Thompson IP (2005). Eco-genomic probes for enhanced soil remediation of former gasworks sites, 13th International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Symposium (IBBS-13), Madrid, Spain, Oral presentation. 2005
Ralebitso TK, Röling WFM, Braster M, Senior E, van Verseveld HW (2002). Pesticide-/petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil bioremediation study by culture-dependent and molecular approaches, IWA 3rd World Water Congress, Melbourne, Australia, Other. 2002
Ralebitso TK, Senior E, Pok KY (2002). How pure is ultrapure? Some microbial machinations, ULTRAPURE WATER Asia 2002 Conference, Singapore, Oral presentation. 2002
Ralebitso TK, Senior E, Mylvaganam TS, Matheickal J, van Verseveld HW (2001). Ballast water: Monitoring the unmonitorable, 1st International Conference on Ballast Water Management, Singapore, Oral presentation. 2001
Ralebitso TK, Röling WFM, Senior E, van Verseveld HW (2000). PCR-DGGE characterization of aerobic atrazine- and BTX-catabolizing microbial associations isolated from South African soils, 4th International Symposium on Environmental Biotechnology, Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands, Oral presentation. 2000
Ralebitso TK, Senior E, Röling WFM, van Verseveld HW (1999). Optimization of physiological determinants and PCR-DGGE analysis of aerobic atrazine- and BTX-catabolizing microbial associations isolated from South African soils, South African Society for Microbiology (KwaZulu-Natal) 12th Annual Symposium, Durban, South Africa, Oral presentation. 1999
Ralebitso TK, Daneel RA, Senior E (1997). Assessment of the impacts of co-disposal of anaerobically-digested sewage sludge with refuse on leachate quality, South African Society for Microbiology (KwaZulu-Natal) 10th Annual Symposium, Durban, South Africa, Oral presentation. 1997
Jones DWN, Senior E, Rahman PKSM, Ralebitso-Senior TK (2011). Anaerobic digestion in a multi-stage plug flow bioreactor: Revisiting an age-old process with modern molecular tools, Bioten Conference, 21-23 September 2010, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Oral presentation.
Conference organisation:
Annual Joint Contaminated Land Fora Conference, Teesside University, Organiser and Host. 2016
Membership of professional bodies:
Full Member (2006 - Present), Applied Microbiology International (AMI; formerly Society for Applied Microbiology, SfAM), https://appliedmicrobiology.org/. 2006
Full Member (2004), International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society, http://ibbsonline.org/. 2004
Full Member (2002 - Present), International Society for Microbial Ecology, https://www.isme-microbes.org/. 2002
Fellowships:
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Teesside University and The Higher Education Academy.