Omon's Research

Prior to taking up this position at A&T State University, I was working on a collaborative project between the biotechnology unit in the Department of Biology and a biotech company, PhytoMyco Research Corporations in Greenville NC. The project is focused on searching for metabolic pathways in culturable and nonculturable fungi and microorganisms, which can give secondary metabolites of pharmaceutical importance.

My scientific research has been focused on the biology, phylogerography, biochemistry of lignocellulose degradation and the application of the tropical white rot fungus Pleurotus tuberregium, in the bioremediation of polluted environments. In collaboration with the Dr. R. Vilgalys, (Mycology laboratory, Duke University, USA) and Dr. F. Nerud (Institute of Microbiology, Prague, Czech Republic), we are studying segregation of Manganese dependent peroxidase and laccase genes in two geographically separated strains of Pleurotus djamor. We are also studying the effect of time and substrate on the expression ligninolytic enzyme types.

I just received the Mycological society of America's Martin-Baker award to support my studies on taxonomy and biogeography in Pleurotus tuberregium, P. javanicus, and also for the first time, to carry out studies that boarders on breeding, intercontinental strain compatibility and phylogeography in Lentinus squarrosulus.

In collaboration with Dr. G.O. Anoliefo (University of Benin, Nigeria) and Dr. E Ohimain (Mail-in oil Filed company, Nigeria), we are investigating the ability of white rot fungi to degrade and bio-ameliorate crude oil and assimilate heavy metals in polluted soils and oil fields.