Ofir Menashe

Introduction: Ofir specializes in environmental biotechnology (applied microbiology) emphasis, on water and wastewater bio-treatment. His knowledge integrates multidisciplinary fields such as, microbiology, biotechnology, water, engineering, polymers and eco-toxicology. For the last 8 years, Ofir has developed skills for monitoring the mixed liquor eco-systems, using a microscopic analysis, in order to determine the treatment effectively. His research interests are in the use of biotechnological applications for microorganisms with an emphasis on macro-encapsulation methods and in particularly, within a confined environment. He is currently working on water micro-pollutants (steroidal hormones and medicines) biodegradation methods and on developing processes for ammonia assimilation (nitrogen fixation). Ofir's recent publications are considered pioneering in the field of microorganism's macro-encapsulation methods and water utilities. Role in the establishment of Water Industry Engineering studies: Ofir took part in designing and the establishing the study program in the field of microbiology, at the early developmental stages of Water Industry Engineering studies (2010). This included laboratory infrastructure establishment (BL -1 and BL-2 type laboratories) and providing the laboratory procedures and safety protocols. The laboratory of water and wastewater microbiology is considered as a unique educational laboratory, since the students are able to experience working with natural wastewater, that encase wide ranges of microorganisms, including pathogens and parasites. During the preparations for M.Sc program (2019-2020), Ofir wrote several of syllabuses for future courses, those are including advance laboratory sessions. Ofir is a faculty member (since 2012) and a senior lecturer (since 2016), at the department of Water Industry Engineering, School of Engineering, Kinneret Academic College on the Sea of Galilee. Contribution to Kinneret Academic College: Ofir was the Biological Safety Officer (2012-2015) and is a member of the Biological safety advisory committee (2012-present). In addition, Ofir is a member at Kinneret Academic College Research Committee (starting from 2018) and chair of the Research Committee (since 2019). Ofir is also a member of the Nanotechnology center of Kinneret Academic College. Supplemental information (Skills and Interest): Ofir is the inventor and the owner of the Small Bioreactor Platform (SBP) technology for water and wastewater treatments. Since 2008, he focused on the research and development of this innovative technology which utilizes the power of microorganisms for the benefit of the environment, especially for the need to increase water viability resources. Ofir brings broad experience in conducting laboratory trials and field pilot tests (alpha & beta-site trials) up to full configuration of technology implementation within wastewater treatment plants (WWTP's) and other types of aquatic bodies (water reservoirs, RAS - fish growing systems and air scrubbers). Future plains and motivation: Ofir’s research is dedicated to increasing the efficiency of water treatment processes and enhancing their capabilities. The predicted outcome of his work is the ability to abridge treatment infrastructure and lower energy consumption during the operational activities. In addition to that, Ofir’s research posse innovative water and soil treatment processes making the biological treatment much more accessible to the industrial sector for creating a sustainable environment