Ji-Dong Gu

Professor Ji-Dong Gu is a Full Professor in the Environmental Science and Engineering department at Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Shantou, China. With an extensive academic background including a PhD in Soil Sciences - Microbial Ecology from Virginia Tech, he has established himself as a leading researcher in environmental microbiology with a particular focus on cultural heritage protection.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Soil Sciences - Microbial Ecology from Virginia Tech (1988-1991)
• MSc in Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry from University of Alberta (1985-1988)
• BSc in Agronomy from Heilongjiang August First Land Reclamation University (1979-1983)

Professor Gu's research spans multiple critical areas in environmental microbiology. His work on microbial ecology related to cultural heritage protection has been particularly influential, examining how microorganisms contribute to the biodeterioration of stone monuments and wall paintings at sites like the Maijishan and Mogao Grottoes. He has made significant contributions to understanding nitrogen cycling processes, particularly anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) bacteria, and their applications in wastewater treatment. His research also extends to microbial communities in oil reservoirs and bioremediation of environmental pollutants.

With 878 publications that have garnered 28,846 citations, Professor Gu has established himself as a prolific researcher whose work spans fundamental microbial ecology and practical applications. His recent publications show a continued focus on cultural heritage protection, nitrogen cycling, and microbial community analysis in diverse environments with numerous papers published through 2025.

His scientific achievements include:

• Charles Rich Fellowship (1991)
• Extensive publication record with significant impact in environmental microbiology
• Organization of international symposia on cultural heritage biodeterioration and protection
• Leadership in establishing research collaborations across multiple institutions

Professor Gu maintains an active research program with numerous ongoing projects related to environmental microbiology and cultural heritage protection. His laboratory investigates microbial communities on stone monuments, develops strategies for cultural heritage conservation, and studies fundamental microbial processes in environmental systems. He has supervised numerous students and researchers throughout his career, contributing to the training of the next generation of environmental microbiologists.