Dr. Hanna Koch

Nitrification is a crucial process for the removal of nitrogen from wastewater and drinking water. However, in agricultural systems, it can directly or indirectly contribute to nitrogen loss. To elucidate these microbial processes, Hanna’s research focuses on the physiology, genomics, and ecological distribution of the different nitrifying groups. She applies a combination of comparative genomics and targeted physiological assays to uncover novel functional traits and ecological niches of these microorganisms. A comprehensive understanding of these key nitrogen-transforming guilds is essential not only for optimizing biotechnological processes for nitrogen removal but also for developing strategies to mitigate nitrogen loss from soils and enhance sustainability in agroecosystems.