Georg Hausner is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on fungal mitochondrial genomics, with particular emphasis on mobile introns, homing endonucleases, and fungal taxonomy. He leads the Hausner Lab, which investigates fungal genomes and molecules, particularly examining the evolutionary dynamics of mitochondrial genomes in fungal pathogens. His primary research interests encompass the molecular evolution of mitochondrial mobile introns within fungi, characterization of homing endonucleases (HEases), fungal taxonomy using molecular tools, and exploring fungi as sources for novel enzymes and antimicrobial compounds. His work frequently involves collaboration with Dr. Ayush Kumar's research group on antimicrobial compound discovery. Hausner's research has significant implications for understanding tree pathogens, particularly blue-stain fungi associated with bark beetles, and their impact on Canadian forests. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on comparative mitogenomics of Ophiostomatales fungi, including species like Leptographium, Ceratocystiopsis, and Ophiostoma. His work demonstrates how mitochondrial genomes expand through intron proliferation and how mobile genetic elements contribute to fungal evolution and pathogenicity. The research shows consistent investigation into the complex relationships between fungi, their insect vectors, and host trees. Hausner has mentored numerous students and collaborators including Ashely Wai, Jishnu Mukhopadhyay, Tapan Guha, and Mohamed Hafez, who have contributed significantly to his research program. His laboratory maintains extensive fungal cultures and employs advanced genomic techniques to characterize mitochondrial genomes and their mobile elements.
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