Dr. Chandni Sidhu

Scientist

Department of Molecular Ecology

MPI for Marine Microbiology
Celsiusstr. 1
D-28359 Bremen
Germany

Phone: 

+49 421 2028-9580

Dr. Chandni Sidhu
 
 

My primary focus involves untangling the complex dynamics of algal polysaccharide utilization, particularly within the context of North Sea algal blooms. Despite their visually captivating nature, these blooms harbor intricate complexities that capture our interest. With a curious mindset, we explore the interactions among marine organisms and the abundant polysaccharides produced by algae.

Within these blooms, a diverse array of microorganisms, spanning from bacteria to plankton, engages in a delicate choreography of resource utilization. Algal polysaccharides, acting as intricate carbohydrates, serve as a significant energy and nutrient source. My role revolves around dissecting the processes of how these polysaccharides undergo breakdown, metabolism, and ultimate utilization by the various participants in the marine ecosystem.

Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, we embark on a scientific journey employing genomics, transcriptomics, and other molecular tools. This approach allows us to uncover the genetic mechanisms that empower microorganisms to exploit the potential of algal polysaccharides. This pursuit not only provides insights into the underlying processes of nutrient cycling but also enhances our comprehension of the broader consequences of algal blooms on marine ecosystems.

Publications

 Presentations/Conferences/Awards

  • Best Poster Presentation award at 12th International congress on “Microbial Interactions and Application of Beneficial Microbes” held at 17th -18th July, 2017 at Munich, Germany, on the topic entitled “Functional Metagenomics: A modern tool for enzyme-based bioremediation”.
  • Poster Presentation at ASM13 (Asian consortium for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of microbial resources) on the topic entitled “Functional Metagenomics based exploration and analysis of novel oxygenases for biodegradation and biosensing applications” held at MTCC, IMTECH on 8th Nov-10th Nov, 2016.
  • Poster Presentation at ISME18 on the topic "Marine bacterioplankton - metatranscriptomics during North Sea spring algae blooms uncovers resource partitioning in abundant clades" held at Lausanne, Switzerland. 
  • Nevena Maslać, Chandni Sidhu, Hanno Teeling, Tristan Wagner. "N2-fixation at the thermodynamic limit of life: characterization of N2-assimilation system and comparative transcriptomic profiling of thermophilic methanogen Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus". FEBS OPEN BIO, 2022
  • Serve as a trainer in a National Workshop on “Bioinformatics Approaches on Genome Resources, Assembly and Annotation” held at CSIR-IMTECH on 9-12th February, 2016.
  • Participated in Lecture Series of Bio-Club (Chandigarh Region Innovation and Knowledge Cluster) held on November 8, 2014 at Chandigarh.
  • Participated in ASM Virtual Workshop on “Art of Science Communication” held on 4th December, 2013 at Chandigarh.
  • Qualified and received CSIR-UGC-JRF/SRF Ph.D. fellowship (December 2011) for a duration of 5 years.
  • Qualified GATE (Life Sciences) 2012.
  • Travel Grant from Department of Biotechnology (Govt. of India), 2017.
  • Participated and secured a third place in the District Level YUVA QUIZ-2006 on Youth Health and Adolescent Health held on October 12, 2006 at Jalandhar, Punjab.
  • Presented a report on “Harness Water Resources for Better Future” in National Children’s Science Congress held at Jalandhar, Punjab in 2005.

Press 

 

Review Editor 

  • mBio Early-Career Editorial Board
  • Frontiers in Microbiomes (Omics Approaches and Environmental Microbiomes)
  • Systematic and Applied Microbiology
  • Marine Environmental Research
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