RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Wonder Nathi Dlamini, PhD

From fundamental scientific discovery to practical solutions for healthier environments and resilient communities.

1. RESEARCH VISION

My research operates at the intersection of environmental science, biotechnology, microbiology, materials science, and public health. It is guided by a central question: How can a deeper understanding of microbial and pollutant processes enable the development of effective, scalable, and environmentally responsible technologies?

I pursue this question through two complementary scientific approaches: controlling harmful microorganisms and environmental exposures, and harnessing beneficial microorganisms to support agricultural sustainability and environmental resilience.

My work integrates experimental microbiology, functional nanomaterials, aerosol science, environmental monitoring, plant–microbe interactions, and laboratory-to-application technology evaluation. Through interdisciplinary research, I seek to connect fundamental mechanisms with measurable environmental performance and practical societal benefits.

My doctoral research at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taiwan, investigated nanomaterials for microbial inactivation in air, water, and on surfaces. My earlier research at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) examined soil microbiology, beneficial bacterial endophytes, plant–microbe interactions, and environmental stress tolerance.

Together, these research foundations support an integrated One Health perspective, recognizing the interdependence of human health, environmental quality, agricultural systems, and microbial processes.

My long-term goal is to establish an independent, internationally collaborative research program that advances scientific knowledge, develops sustainable environmental technologies, supports emerging researchers, and generates solutions relevant to healthcare, agriculture, industry, and communities.

2. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS & SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION

2.1 Antimicrobial Nanomaterials, Viral Inactivation & Environmental Disinfection

My doctoral research investigated the development and evaluation of functional nanomaterials for viral and bacterial inactivation across air, water, and surface applications.

I contributed to laboratory and pilot-scale studies involving silver/titanium dioxide (Ag/TiO₂), silver–copper/titanium dioxide (Ag–Cu/TiO₂), and chitosan-supported antimicrobial systems.

These investigations integrated material preparation, physicochemical characterization, microbial inactivation experiments, aerosol studies, filtration-performance evaluation, and quantitative interpretation.

A major contribution was my first-author study demonstrating enhanced removal of viral aerosols using nanosilver/TiO₂–chitosan filters combined with a negative air ionizer, published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (Dlamini et al., 2024).

The research demonstrated the importance of evaluating material properties together with engineered treatment performance, rather than relying solely on laboratory characterization.

Related investigations explored the antiviral potential of bimetallic Ag–Cu/TiO₂ nanocomposites for water-disinfection applications. These findings and experimental approaches were presented at scientific conferences in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Iceland, and the United States.

Scientific contributions

Development and evaluation of antimicrobial nanomaterial systems.
Viral and bacterial inactivation testing under controlled experimental conditions.
Investigation of nanocomposite-based aerosol filtration and environmental disinfection.
Integration of filtration materials with complementary air-treatment technologies.
Evaluation of experimental performance relevant to environmental pathogen exposure reduction.
Translation of materials research into device-oriented environmental applications.

Potential applications: Healthcare air purification, bioaerosol control, air and water disinfection, antimicrobial filtration, environmental biotechnology, and infection-risk mitigation.

Representative publication: Enhanced viral-aerosol removal using nanosilver/TiO₂–chitosan filters and negative air ionization — Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (2024)

2.2 Hospital Indoor-Air Quality & Smart Environmental Monitoring

My research has contributed to the evaluation of integrated air-purification technologies for healthcare environments.

As an equal-contributing first author of a study published in Indoor Air (Getnet et al., 2025), I participated in research investigating a nano-Ag/chitosan-TiO₂ filter system combined with cloud-enabled environmental monitoring.

This work connected antimicrobial filtration technology with environmental measurement and monitoring, addressing the practical importance of assessing air-treatment performance in healthcare applications.

The study highlighted the need to consider environmental treatment technologies as complete operational systems, incorporating filtration effectiveness, measurement reliability, ongoing monitoring, and practical implementation requirements.

My background in aerosol science, indoor-air-quality assessment, experimental monitoring, and environmental-health research provides a foundation for investigating the performance of treatment technologies under increasingly realistic conditions.

Scientific contributions

Evaluation of nanomaterial-based hospital air-treatment systems.
Integration of antimicrobial filtration with environmental monitoring.
Experimental investigation of air-purification performance.
Interdisciplinary collaboration across microbiology, environmental engineering, and monitoring technologies.
Assessment of research outcomes relevant to healthcare environmental protection.

Potential applications: Hospital indoor-air quality, smart environmental monitoring, healthcare infection prevention, environmental exposure assessment, and building air-treatment systems.

Representative publication: Hospital air purification using nano-Ag/chitosan-TiO₂ filtration and cloud-based monitoring — Indoor Air (2025)

2.3 Microbial Ecology, Bacterial Endophytes & Climate-Resilient Agriculture

My research in agricultural and environmental microbiology investigates beneficial plant-associated microorganisms and their potential contributions to crop performance under environmental stress.

Building on my master's research and subsequent interdisciplinary collaborations, I studied rice-associated bacterial endophytes, plant-growth-promoting traits, fertilizer interactions, and microbial thermotolerance.

My first-author research published in Rice (2025) investigated interactions between growth-promoting bacterial endophytes and fertilizer in Oryza sativa L. under heat-stress conditions.

A complementary first-author study published in Microorganisms (2025) examined thermotolerance and plant-growth-promoting characteristics of rice-derived endophytic bacteria, highlighting possible applications in sustainable agricultural biotechnology.

These investigations established a second major dimension of my scientific work: identifying and understanding beneficial microbial functions that may improve agricultural resilience.

My research therefore addresses microorganisms from two complementary perspectives-microbial control where biological exposure presents a risk, and microbial utilization where beneficial functions support sustainable ecosystems.

Scientific contributions

Investigation of beneficial rice-associated bacterial endophytes.
Evaluation of microbial thermotolerance under environmental stress.
Characterization of plant-growth-promoting microbial traits.
Examination of bacteria–fertilizer interactions.
Integration of microbial ecology with agricultural stress physiology.
Investigation of potential microbial approaches to sustainable crop production.

Potential applications: Climate-resilient agriculture, plant-growth promotion, biofertilizer development, microbial inoculants, sustainable soil management, and agricultural biotechnology.

Representative publications:

Growth-promoting bacterial endophytes and fertilizer interactions under rice heat stress — Rice (2025)

Thermotolerance and plant-growth-promoting properties of rice endophytes — Microorganisms (2025)

2.4 Environmental Pollution, Exposure Assessment & Public Health

My collaborative research extends to the assessment of environmental pollution and its implications for human health.

Research published in Heliyon (2023) evaluated the effectiveness of a covered, oil-free cooking process in reducing air pollutants generated during cooking.

A further study published in Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (2024) assessed cooking-related air pollution associated with biomass and cleaner fuels in the Shiselweni region of Eswatini.

These studies contributed to understanding emissions associated with everyday activities and to evaluating approaches for reducing indoor environmental exposures.

My collaborative publication in the International Journal of Public Health Science (2026) examined water quality in the Banong River receiving effluent from Sleman Public Hospital.

Together, these investigations broadened my experience across air and water pollution assessment, environmental-health applications, and the interpretation of environmental measurements.

Scientific contributions

Collaborative investigation of cooking-related air pollution.
Environmental assessment of biomass and cleaner-fuel applications.
Evaluation of approaches for reducing emissions from cooking processes.
Research contributions to river water-quality assessment.
Interpretation of findings relevant to environmental pollution and public health.
Application of environmental-science methods across different community and regional contexts.

Potential applications: Indoor and household air-quality management, cleaner cooking systems, community exposure assessment, environmental water-quality monitoring, and sustainable public-health interventions.

Representative publications:

Cooking-emission reduction through covered oil-free preparation — Heliyon (2023)

Biomass and cleaner-fuel cooking emissions in Eswatini — Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (2024)

Banong River water-quality assessment and hospital effluent — International Journal of Public Health Science (2026)

2.5 Applied Environmental Innovation, Technology Development & Research Translation

My research interests extend beyond laboratory findings to the development, evaluation, and practical application of environmental technologies.

Across academic research, technical consulting, and interdisciplinary project activities, I have contributed to the investigation of technologies relevant to antimicrobial treatment, environmental monitoring, water purification, and resource-efficient environmental systems.

These experiences have strengthened my understanding of the relationship between scientific feasibility, material performance, operational requirements, and potential implementation.

I am interested in technology concepts involving sustainable water collection, aseptic water delivery, water-treatment systems, and practical environmental solutions for resource-constrained settings.

Such concepts represent areas of applied interest and development, distinct from technologies that have already undergone complete experimental validation or commercial deployment.

Areas of innovation interest

Sustainable water purification and disinfection.
Nanomaterial-assisted environmental treatment.
Hybrid filtration and monitoring platforms.
Environmentally responsible technology design.
Resource-efficient environmental engineering.
Application-oriented research with potential community and industrial benefits.
Translation of scientific findings into testable engineering concepts.

My experience in technical consulting, project coordination, and university–industry research collaboration complements these research interests by providing practical perspectives on technology evaluation, operational feasibility, and stakeholder needs.

3. RESEARCH METHODS & TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

My technical background encompasses environmental microbiology, materials research, aerosol science, environmental monitoring, experimental design, quantitative analysis, and laboratory-to-application evaluation.

Environmental Biotechnology & Microbiology

Viral and bacterial inactivation experiments.
Microbial screening and laboratory assays.
Antimicrobial treatment-performance assessment.
Isolation and evaluation of plant-associated bacterial endophytes.
Assessment of microbial stress tolerance.
Investigation of microbial plant-growth-promoting functions.
Plant–microbe interaction studies.
Agricultural and environmental biotechnology applications.

Functional Nanomaterials & Materials Science

Nanomaterial synthesis and preparation.
Silver- and copper-based antimicrobial nanocomposites.
Titanium dioxide and chitosan-supported material systems.
Physicochemical characterization.
Surface chemistry interpretation.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) peak-fitting analysis.
Evaluation of functional filtration materials.
Materials-based microbial inactivation systems.

Aerosol Science & Indoor-Air Quality

Aerosol and bioaerosol experimental investigations.
Viral-aerosol filtration testing.
Evaluation of air-treatment technologies.
Indoor-air-quality research.
Environmental monitoring and measurement.
Assessment of filtration and ionization approaches.
Performance-oriented evaluation of environmental exposure-control systems.

Environmental Assessment & Sustainable Systems

Air- and water-quality research.
Environmental pollutant assessment.
Exposure-related measurement and interpretation.
Environmental pollution-control investigations.
Evaluation of treatment technologies.
Laboratory and pilot-scale environmental research.
Investigation of sustainable environmental applications.

Quantitative Research & Scientific Analysis

Hypothesis development and experimental design.
Selection of experimental controls and measurable outcomes.
Statistical analysis and interpretation.
SPSS and Origin software.
Environmental modelling and quantitative data analysis.
Scientific data management and reporting.
Literature review, manuscript preparation, and scientific publication.
Research documentation and interdisciplinary technical communication.

Research Coordination & Laboratory Practice

Coordination of laboratory and pilot-scale investigations.
Experimental troubleshooting and research workflow organization.
Research-safety activities and laboratory administration.
Collaboration with researchers across scientific disciplines.
Student research guidance and laboratory mentoring.
Research-project documentation and grant-application support.
Scientific presentations and international research communication.

My methodological approach emphasizes reproducibility, suitable controls, accurate measurements, responsible research practice, and transparent reporting of scientific limitations.

4. FUTURE RESEARCH AGENDA

My future research program will develop through three interconnected research directions, integrating environmental materials, microbial processes, monitoring technologies, and sustainable applications.

Each direction has its own scientific questions and experimental pathways, while offering opportunities for collaboration across environmental engineering, microbiology, materials science, agriculture, and public health.

Research Direction I : Sustainable Antimicrobial & Separation Technologies

Central research question: How do material chemistry, surface properties, environmental conditions, and system design affect the performance and sustainability of antimicrobial and separation technologies?

I aim to investigate low-toxicity, resource-efficient, and potentially regenerable materials for microbial and contaminant removal from air and water.

Potential systems include biopolymer-supported nanocomposites, functional sorbents, and hybrid filtration and disinfection technologies.

Experimental studies will examine antimicrobial efficacy, material stability, filtration efficiency, environmental compatibility, and performance under changing operational conditions.

Research will progress through material screening, microbiological investigation, controlled performance testing, and selected pilot-oriented evaluations.

Expected scientific contributions

Mechanistic understanding of antimicrobial materials.
Validated treatment-performance datasets.
Experimental assessment of material durability and environmental safety.
Improved understanding of operating-condition effects.
Design principles for practical air- and water-treatment systems.

Research Direction II : Environmental Exposure Monitoring & Intervention Assessment

Central research question: How can reliable environmental measurements and scientifically validated interventions improve exposure prevention and environmental-health decision-making?

I aim to investigate environmental exposures in healthcare facilities, educational institutions, workplaces, and communities.

This research will integrate environmental monitoring, exposure-related measurements, intervention testing, statistical analysis, and field-oriented evaluation.

Potential investigations include bioaerosol exposure, indoor-air pollution, cooking emissions, water-quality surveillance, and the effectiveness of environmental treatment technologies.

Where complementary expertise is available, projects may incorporate sensor networks, cloud-enabled monitoring, environmental modelling, and predictive analytics.

The scientific priority will remain reliable measurement, appropriate validation, and transparent treatment of uncertainty.

Expected scientific contributions

Improved characterization of environmental exposure patterns.
Field-relevant evidence of intervention performance.
Evaluation of measurement uncertainty and operational variability.
Evidence-based strategies for environmental risk reduction.
Research supporting practical environmental-health decisions.

Research Direction III : Beneficial Microorganisms & Climate-Resilient Systems

Central research question: Which microbial traits and ecological interactions contribute to plant resilience and sustainable productivity under environmental stress?

Building on my research with rice-associated bacterial endophytes, I intend to investigate beneficial microorganisms associated with plant stress tolerance, nutrient acquisition, growth promotion, and environmental adaptation.

Initial research will emphasize selected microbial isolates, functional characterization, reproducible plant assays, and stress-response investigations.

Longer-term projects may examine microbial consortia, biofertilizer formulations, plant–microbe–material interactions, and microbiome-based environmental restoration.

Experimental approaches will consider microbial performance, biosafety, ecological compatibility, and practical agricultural relevance.

Expected scientific contributions

Identification and validation of beneficial microbial traits.
Improved understanding of plant–microbe interactions under stress.
Experimental evidence supporting potential microbial agricultural applications.
Insights into microbial responses to environmental change.
Development of research foundations for climate-resilient agricultural biotechnology.

5. RESEARCH STRATEGY, FUNDING DEVELOPMENT & COLLABORATION

Research Development and Scientific Independence

My research strategy is based on connecting fundamental scientific questions with feasible experimental approaches and measurable outcomes.

I aim to structure research projects around clearly defined hypotheses, suitable experimental controls, scientifically defensible methods, reliable data analysis, and transparent interpretation.

In the initial stages of a new academic appointment, I would prioritize establishing focused laboratory investigations, producing foundational datasets, strengthening collaborative research relationships, and developing publishable results.

As these projects mature, I intend to pursue independent and collaborative research funding to support larger investigations, postgraduate training, and technology development.

My previous experience includes contributions to NSTC-supported research activities, university–industry collaborative projects, research administration, and grant-related preparation. I intend to build on these foundations by developing my own competitive funding record.

Interdisciplinary and International Collaboration

Scientific challenges involving environmental pollution, microbial processes, public health, and sustainability frequently extend beyond a single discipline.

I value research collaborations that combine complementary capabilities in experimental microbiology, materials science, environmental engineering, agricultural biotechnology, analytical chemistry, exposure science, and data analysis.

My academic and research experience in Taiwan, together with international conference participation and research connected to Eswatini, has strengthened my commitment to international scientific exchange.

I seek to develop collaborations capable of producing rigorous research, practical scientific advances, joint publications, and opportunities for emerging researchers.

Student Development and Research Mentorship

I view student mentorship as an essential component of research excellence.

My approach emphasizes the progressive development of scientific independence, experimental competence, analytical reasoning, research integrity, and effective communication.

Research students should acquire the ability to formulate hypotheses, select appropriate methods, conduct experiments responsibly, evaluate uncertainty, interpret results, and communicate findings clearly.

My previous involvement in undergraduate and postgraduate research mentorship, laboratory coordination, and scientific-writing support provides a foundation for developing collaborative and supportive research environments.

Research Integrity and Responsible Innovation

I am committed to research transparency, reproducibility, accurate reporting, responsible authorship, ethical scientific conduct, and safe laboratory practice.

For applied environmental technologies, I also consider environmental safety, practical feasibility, material durability, and possible unintended consequences to be important components of responsible research.

My long-term objective is to produce research that is academically rigorous, environmentally responsible, and useful beyond controlled laboratory settings.

6. SELECTED RESEARCH HONORS, AWARDS & RECOGNITION

My academic work has received recognition for scientific research, environmental innovation, and scholarly achievement.

2025 — First Prize, Taiwan Occupational Hygiene Association

Recognized in a research competition for work involving novel nanomaterials for viral and bacterial inactivation. Event

2023–2025 — Outstanding Research Achievement Recognition

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Office of Research and Development.Announcement

2024 — First Prize, NYCU Alumni Association & Higher Education Development Program

Recognition associated with academic achievement and research excellence.

2024 — First Prize, Biomedical Annual Thesis Competition

English oral-presentation competition recognizing scientific communication.

2024 — Carbon Capture Innovation Prize

Surface Measurement Systems.

Recognition associated with environmental innovation.

2022 — Sustainable Development Goals Student Research Award

Recognition for sustainability-related academic research.

2021 — Gold Prize, Taiwan Comprehensive University System

International Article Writing Competition.

2020 — Bronze Award, Taiwan Comprehensive University System

International Article Writing Competition.

Additional academic scholarships, awards, and professional achievements are documented in my Academic CV.

7. RESEARCH FUNDING, GRANTS & PROJECT SUPPORT

My research experience includes participation in government-supported research projects, university research activities, competitive academic support, and international conference-travel funding.

The following information summarizes funding and support recorded in my academic CV.

National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Taiwan

Multiyear Research Project

Grant reference: 111-2221-E-A49-053-MY3

Project period: August 2022 – July 2025

Reported project funding under Professor Kuo-Pin Yu 🔗 : Approximately NT$4,500,000 over three years.

My role: Research project contributor involved in experimental investigations, research coordination, scientific outputs, and related research activities. This funding represents support for the research project.

NSTC International Research and Conference Support

My academic record includes support associated with international scientific activities and research dissemination.

2025 — Iceland

Grant reference: 114-2922-I-A49A-053

Associated with participation in ISIAQ Healthy Buildings Europe 2025.

2024 — United States

Grant reference: 113-2922-I-A49A-031

Associated with participation in the international Indoor Air conference in Honolulu, Hawaii.

2023 — South Korea

Grant reference: 112-2922-I-A49A-042

Associated with participation in the IEEE International Conference on Nanotechnology in Jeju.

These references document funding associated with research and conference participation rather than independent principal-investigator awards.

Ministry of Education (MOE), Taiwan

Ministry of Education funding and international-activity support, including references:

114W010172
113W010172

These activities supported academic and international engagement during the 2023–2025 period.

University–Industry and Collaborative Research

NSTC–NYCU–MA-Tek Collaboration | September 2021 – March 2025

Research contributor in industry–government–university collaborative activities associated with environmental technologies, laboratory investigations, and research coordination.

My involvement contributed to experience in interdisciplinary project delivery, applied experimentation, and the relationship between academic research and industrial application.

Additional Research, Scholarship and Academic Support

My academic record includes research-related financial support, scholarships, and assistantships from academic institutions and programs, including:

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.
National Chung Hsing University.
University System of Taiwan.
Institute and departmental research and educational programs.
NYCU, NCHU, and related academic scholarship schemes.
Agricultural Development Fund Scheme under Professor Fo-Ting Shen 🔗 :Eco-Friendly Agricultural Materials Promotion Program (2020).

These forms of support contributed to my academic training, research development, and participation in scientific activities.

Funding attribution: The entries above describe project participation, research support, conference-related funding, and scholarships.

8. EXPLORE MY SCHOLARLY WORK

My research contributions are supported by peer-reviewed journal publications, international conference presentations, collaborative scientific activities, and ongoing engagement across environmental science and biotechnology. My complete scholarly record includes research in antimicrobial nanomaterials, aerosol filtration, hospital air purification, microbial ecology, sustainable agriculture, cooking-related pollution, environmental monitoring, and water quality. My research ambition is to connect scientific discovery, responsible innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver knowledge and technologies that support healthier environments, resilient agricultural systems, and sustainable development.

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