Galina Satchanska

Assoc. Prof. Galina Satchanska, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Sciences at New Bulgarian University (NBU), where she has been working since 2008. She currently serves as Head of the Department of Natural Sciences (since 2020), Director of the Educational-Production and Research Unit (UPIS) for Biology, and Chair of the Program Council for the Department of Natural Sciences. She is also a member of the Academic Council of NBU and various university committees.

Dr. Satchanska's educational background includes:

• Master's degree in "Biochemistry and Microbiology" from Sofia University "St. Clement of Ohrid"
• Specialization in "Clinical Chemistry"
• Second specialty in "Pedagogy - Biology and Chemistry"
• PhD studies at the Institute of Molecular Biology-BAS with specializations at the Helmholz Research Center Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany

Dr. Satchanska's research focuses on environmental and food microbiology, with particular expertise in bioremediation, xenobiotics biotransformation, and the antibacterial properties of natural compounds. Her work bridges fundamental microbiological research with practical applications in environmental protection and food safety. She has made significant contributions to understanding how microorganisms can be used to degrade pollutants and how natural plant compounds can combat bacterial pathogens.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on food microbiology and safety, examining the microbial quality of various food products including mineral waters, juices, olives, cheese, and honey. She also investigates the antibacterial properties of natural compounds from plants, contributing to the development of alternative preservation methods and natural antimicrobial agents.

Dr. Satchanska has supervised over 10 diploma works and has been involved in numerous national and international projects, including those funded by NATO, UNESCO, and German research organizations. She has served as an Erasmus coordinator for the Department of Natural Sciences and mentors students in EU projects.

She is actively involved in the scientific community, serving as a representative for Bulgaria in the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) and as a member of the Bulgarian Microbiological Society. Her editorial work includes membership on the editorial boards of Journal of Balkan Ecology and Acta Microbiologica Bulgarica.

Dr. Satchanska directs the Educational-Production and Research Unit for Biology at NBU, which serves as a hub for both educational activities and research projects in microbiology and environmental science. Her laboratory work focuses on bacterial biodegradation of pollutants and the antimicrobial properties of natural compounds.