Murty S. Kambhampati

Professor of Biology

Southern University at New Orleans

Natural Sciences Department

Contact Information:
6801 Press Dr.
New Orleans, LA 70126
(504) 286-5069
mkambham@suno.edu

Education
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India	BSc	1979	Biology/Chemistry
Andhra University	MSc	1981	Botany
Andhra University	Ph.D.	1988	Ecology
Jackson State University, Jackson. MS	Ph.D.	1999	Environmental Sciences

Positions & Employment
2004 - present	Professor of Biology, Southern University at New Orleans
2001 - 2004	Associate Professor of Biology, Southern University at New Orleans
1994 - 2001	Assistant professor of Biology, Southern University at New Orleans
1990 - 1994	Project Manager and Research Associate, Jackson State University

Research Interests

Environmental Toxicology, Phytoremediation, and Environmental Microbiology/Biotechnology

Publications

Kambhampati M. S., H. St. Cyr*, L. Stemley*, and T. Green, 2007. “Environmental Health of Peconic River Headwaters: Sediment Chemistry,” Battelle Press Paper A-052. ISBN 978-1-57477-159-6.

Murty S. Kambhampati, Gregorio B. Begonia, Maria F.T. Begonia, Yolanda Bufford*. 2005. Morphological and Physiological Responses of Morning Glory (Ipomoea lacunosa L.) Grown in Lead- and Chelate-Amended Soil. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public. Health. 2(2): 299-303.

Adegboye, D.S., Kambhampati, M.S., Mims-Devezin, L. Hardester, L.M., and Clancy, M.J. 2004. A successful model for integrating high-technology courses for content requirements in science education. Presented at First System-wide J.K. Haynes Teacher Preparation Conference. Southern University System, Baton Rouge, LA.
J.Urban Edu. 2(1): 151-158.

Kambhampati, M., Adegboye, D.S., Mims-Devezin, L. and Cosby, R. 2004. Integration of Technology into Biology curriculum for teacher preparation at Southern University at New Orleans. Presented at First System-wide J.K. Haynes Teacher Preparation Conference. Southern University System, Baton Rouge, LA. J.Urban Edu. 2(1): 10-18.

Kambhampati, M.S., Omojola, J., Omar, A., Miranda, D., Singleton, C., Esmail, A., and Thibodeaux, A. 2004. Interdisciplinary Science, Mathematics, and Technology Course Modules for Praxis II: a necessity at Southern University at New Orleans. Presented at First System-wide J.K. Haynes Teacher Preparation Conference. Southern University System, Baton Rouge, LA. J.Urban Edu. 2(1): 89-96

Grants Awarded (past 7 yrs.)

Scholarships for Excellence in Natural Sciences, NSF

Supplemental Grant to PESMaCT for FaST 2007 stipends at BNL, NSF

Development of Environmental Biotechnology Lab at SUNO, US Ed.

Supplemental Grant to PESMaCT for FaST 2007 stipends at BNL, NSF

Enhancement of Biology Computer Laboratory at SUNO, LA-BoR

Enhancement of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Ecology Laboratory Instruction at SUNO, LA-BoR

Supplemental Grant to PESMaCT to replace equipment, NSF

Supplemental Grant to PESMaCT for FaST 2006 stipends at BNL, NSF

Enhancement of Microbiology Teaching and Research Infrastructure, LA- BoR

Program for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Computer Technology (PESMaCT), NSF

Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN) multi-campus proposal. Dr. E. Williams Wischusen (PI) at LSU, Baton Rouge, NIH

Enhancement of Laboratory Instruction through Technology in the Department of Biology at SUNO, LA-BoR

Research Mentoring

Served as an advisor for about 50 undergraduate students over a ten year period, and as a committee member for LAMP/PESMaCT/MSEIP/SENS. Received mentoring/mentee awards at local and national levels. Students enrolled in graduate and professional schools.

Institution/Departmental Committee Memberships

Southern University at New Orleans/College of Arts and Sciences/Department of Natural Sciences

Professional Memberships

American Chemical Society (ACS)
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Nature Conservancy
Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society
Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society
National Institute of Science.

Honors and Awards

-2008 Minority Access, Inc., National Role Model faculty Award, Arlington, VA
-Received several Chancellor’s, Grantsmanship, and Dean’s Awards for Excellence in Mentoring, Teaching, Service, and Grants secured for SUNO (consistently for the past several years).
-Listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers®, 2004 and 2005.
-2005-06 Chancellor’s Scholarship Cash Award
-2007-08 Chancellor’s Faculty Grantsmanship Cash Award
-Received the National Society of Toxicology Undergraduate Student Advisor Award 2006-07
-2007-08 Southern University System Faculty Grantsmanship Excellence Award

Collaborators

Brookhaven National Laboratory, Office of Educational Programs (OEP)
Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS)
Dowling College, Oakdale, NY
Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON)
Tulane University LAMP

Synergistic Activities or Collaborations

Pine Barren Forest and Wetland Environmental and Microbial research between SUNO, BNL, and Dowling College

Existing Institution Research Laboratory or Research Center

Scholarships for Excellence in Natural Sciences-SENS - Motivate and nurture STEM students to excel in academics and in securing summer research internships at various academic institutions and federally funded labs such as BNL by providing scholarships for financially needy and academically talented underrepresented minorities and women.
Funding Agency - National Science Foundation
Number of Participants - Targeted number of students: 53 per year
Role of Professor Kambhampati - PI (Dr. Joe Omojola and Dr. Carl P. Johnson, Co-PIs)

BNL Experiences

Year 1 - Dates: 6/1/06 through 8/10/06

Mentor - Dr. Timothy Green

Departments - Environmental Sciences

Project Name - Environmental Health of Peconic River Headwaters: Water and Sediment Chemistry

Description - The purpose of this research was to collect scientific environmental health data on water and sediments from remediated and natural sites of the Peconic River (PR) headwaters at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and to compare results with available earlier findings. The specific objectives were to: (a) analyze samples for physico-chemical factors; (b) compile and analyze data statistically; and (c) to identify the interrelationships between abiotic factors. We hypothesized that waters of the PR would be acidic with excessive turbidity, nutrient poor, low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, and free of contaminants. We have collected 54 surface samples (<15cm deep at 150m intervals) randomly from 7 experimental sites (LH1-7). Experimental sites were plotted using eXplorist 200 Global Positioning System (GPS) and ArcInfo Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Field data were obtained on DO, temperature, pH, turbidity, and conductivity using Yellow Spring Instruments, Inc. (YSI) probe. Water samples were analyzed using Hach DR890 colorimeter. Filtered and acidified water samples (pH<2) were used to estimate metal content using Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer (ICP). Sediment samples were air dried, sieved, and saved in Ziploc bags. Macro and micronutrients were measured using LaMotte Soil Test Kits. Sediments were acidic (6.00±0.00 to 6.25±0.94 at LH3 and LH5, respectively) and nutrient poor. Water was acidic (4.61±0.10 to 5.87±0.04 at LH2 and LH5, respectively) and low in DO (1.49±0.17 to 5.67±0.70mg/L at LH3 and LH1, respectively). Samples had traces to zero chlorides, nitrates, and sulfates. Alkalinity ranged from 10.5±5.65 to 83.13±3.26mg/L. Sediment ANOVA results showed significant mean differences (P<0.05 and P<0.01) between elements, aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr). In conclusion, experimental results were in partial agreement with our hypothesis (nutrient poor sediments and water; and low DO and high turbidity in water). However, we reject the null hypothesis, since the mean differences between groups were significant. Also, water and sediments of the PR natural sites have greater metal content (Al, Fe, Pb) than in the remediated sites. In some instances, however, current elemental contents of Al, Cd, Fe, Pb, Mg, and K in sediments of remediated sites exceeded the earlier findings.

Number of participants - 2

Year 2 - Dates: 6/1/07 through 8/12/07

Mentor - Dr. Timothy Green

Departments - Environmental Sciences

Project Name - Comparative Ecological Study: Pine Barren Ponds of Long Island, NY

Description - The purpose of this research was to collect scientific ecological data on water and sediments from the Long Island Pine Barren Ponds including the ponds on Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) site and to compare results between the on-site (Zone-I) and off-site (Zone-II) ponds. The specific objectives were to: (a) analyze samples for physico-chemical factors; (b) compile and analyze data statistically; and (c) to identify the interrelationships between abiotic factors in ponds of two zones. We have collected 99 surface water and sediment samples (<15cm deep at 50 - 200m intervals, depending on size of each pond) randomly from 5 experimental sites (Groups 1-5). Experimental sites were plotted using eXplorist 200 Global Positioning System (GPS) and ArcInfo Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Field data were obtained on dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, pH, turbidity, and conductivity using Yellow Spring Instruments, Inc. (YSI) probe. Water samples were analyzed using Hach DR890 colorimeter. Filtered and acidified water samples (pH<2) were used to estimate metal content using Directly Coupled Plasma Spectrometer (DCP). Sediment samples were air dried, sieved, and saved for elemental analysis using DCP. Macro and micronutrients were analyzed using LaMotte Soil Test Kits. Samples were also dried in an oven at 650C for 36-48 hr to obtain moisture. Majority of the water and sediments were acidic and nutrient poor. Soil texture is mostly either sand or silt. Moisture content varied between 20.98±10.35 to 50.02±6.13% in NRP and BNL samples, respectively. Sediment ANOVA results indicated positive and negative significances (P<0.05 and P<0.01) between elements, aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr). In conclusion, the Long Island Pine Barren pond water and sediments are acidic and nutrient poor. Sediments have higher concentrations of metals (Al and Fe), in general.

Number of participants - 2

Year 3 - Dates: 6/5/08 through 8/15/08

Mentor - Dr. Timothy Green and Dr. Vishal Shah

Departments - Environmental Sciences

Project Name - Microbial Community Profiling of Long Island Pine Barren Soils

Description - Management of any ecosystem requires the information on the flora and fauna present in the environment. The current management plans for terrestrial ecosystem are mainly based on the macrofauna. While microorganisms are very critical for maintaining the balance in an ecosystem, no information is available on the types and behavior of microorganisms in the soil of Pine Barren Forest. Thus the existing management plan for an ecosystem does not consider the influence of the actions on the microbial diversity. In the first study of its kind, we mapped the Long Island Pine Barren Forest Soils (LIPBF) based on its microbial community level physiological profile (CLPP). Soil samples were collected from different parts of the forest and upon preparation of the inoculum, BIOLOG® EcoPlates were inoculated. The clustering analysis based on color intensities illustrate that the entire LIBPF can be divided into four different clusters at every horizon. However, the physiological response of microbial community at each horizon and cluster is different. No correlation between sampling sites and the physiological profile was obtained based on vegetation or geographical location. Also, comparing the physiological profile of the microbial community from each horizon, one can make a list of substrates that are utilized more throughout the LIPBF.

Number of participants - 2

Personal Comments

I enjoyed working at BNL, a state-of-the-art and world class research facility, along with my students and BNL scientists. It was a great and memorable research experience which facilitated me grow professionally and enable me to disseminate it to my students and colleagues.

We sincerely thank Faculty and Student Team Program Manager, Mr. Noel Blackburn, for his commitment and enthusiasm to facilitate and encourage faculty members to participate actively in scientific endeavors at BNL. On behalf of SUNO FaST members (2006, 07, and 08), I thank NSF, USEd MSEIP, DOE, OEP, Dr. Timothy Green, and BNL for their financial support and for research facilities.

For more information about the Faculty and Student Team program, contact:

Noel Blackburn
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Building 438, PO Box 5000
Upton, New York 11973-5000
(631) 344-2890
(631) 344-5832 fax