I am an Assistant Professor in the College of Life Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University, where I teach General Biology, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics. My research focuses on environmental, industrial, and molecular microbiology, with a strong emphasis on geosciences. Specifically, I utilize microbial genomics, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics to investigate microbial processes in various environmental settings. 

A key area of interest in my research is the impact of industrial activities on microbial population dynamics and metabolic processes, often in conjunction with geological and geochemical phenomena. For example, I have studied the effects of hypersaline wastewater (such as fracking-produced water) on microbial ecosystems and explored how microorganisms adapt and thrive in both artificial and natural high-CO2 environments. Additionally, I have applied Oxford Nanopore sequencing techniques to low-biomass environmental samples, aiming to generate high-quality draft genomes from diverse, otherwise difficult-to-characterize microbial populations. Specific bacterial and archaea lineages I have studied are Halanaerobium, Acetobacterium, Methanosphaerula and Methanosarcina. 

My lab's most recent projects focus on the presence of microbial pathogens and microbial processes in artificial turf (especially athletic fields) and the exploration of microbial diversity in Western PA Acid Mine Drainage sites. More detail can be found on the Lipus lab page.

I have published various scientific articles in journals, such as Applied and Environmental Microbiology (AEM), Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T), PNAS Nexus, FEMS Microbiology, and Frontiers in Microbiology.

On the teaching side, I am passionate about inspiring students to appreciate biological processes and understanding their critical role in sustaining life. I emphasize active learning, engaging students in the material, and breaking down complex concepts into simpler, more manageable components that are easier to grasp.