Taiba Saleem

My scientific work is rooted in microbiology and molecular methods, with a strong interest in organisms that thrive under extreme or highly specialized conditions. That’s exactly what draws me to anaerobic fungi — their unique biology, their powerful biomass-degrading enzymes, and their potential to reshape how we think about biogas production.

Across my training at the Technical University of Munich and research experience in multiple laboratories, I’ve built a solid foundation in microbial analysis, DNA/RNA work, antimicrobial testing, and molecular techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, cloning, and gene expression assays. While my previous projects focused on pathogenic bacteria, microbial resistance, and molecular screening, the common thread has always been understanding how microorganisms behave, adapt, and interact within their environments.

Anaerobic fungi represent the kind of microbiological challenge I enjoy most: complex, underestimated, and biologically powerful. Their ability to break down lignocellulosic substrates—something most microbes struggle with—aligns perfectly with my interest in exploring unconventional microbial systems. Being part of FUNGAS allows me to contribute this microbiology background to a project where these organisms can make a real impact in sustainable energy and waste utilization.

I’m motivated by work that combines detailed lab methods with applied microbial research, and the FUNGAS project is the ideal space to push that blend forward.