Mautusi Mitra

Dr. Mautusi Mitra is a Full Professor of Biology at the University of West Georgia in the Dr. James 'Earl' Perry College of Mathematics, Computing, and Sciences. Her research program integrates microbial molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology and bioinformatics, with particular focus on novel bacterial strain characterization and genome sequencing.

Mitra's research explores microbial physiology, molecular characterization of novel bacterial strains, and whole genome sequencing of contaminants from Chlamydomonas cultures. Her lab has identified and characterized novel bacterial strains including Acidovorax temperans LMJ and Sphingobium yanoikuyae CC4533, investigating their bioremediation potential and heavy metal resistance.

Publications demonstrate extensive work in microbial genomics and photosynthesis research, particularly utilizing the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Recent work focuses on whole genome sequencing of novel bacterial strains with bioremediation applications, while earlier research examined chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthetic efficiency.

Dr. Mitra teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Principles of Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry. She mentors student researchers in her lab, which maintains an active online presence through a dedicated research website and Facebook page. Her educational outreach includes developing hands-on teaching tools such as Chlamydomonas bead bracelets for demonstrating photosynthesis principles.