Seminar on eDNA Documents from the Joint Industry Program

Dr. Nicolas Tsesmetzis is a Principal Scientist in Shell’s BioTechnology group with a background in molecular biology and metagenomics. He is an expert in environmental microbiology, with over 16 years of experience in biofuels, renewables, and nature-based solutions. Nicolas holds a PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology and an MSc in Plant Biotechnology. He has published several research articles and book chapters. Nicolas was a Visiting Professor at Newcastle University and is part of the ISMOS conference’s Technical Scientific Committee and Co-chair of the IOGP-JIP34 on Environmental Genomics. His research employs advanced DNA/RNA technologies and computational methods to analyze (meta)genomic data from environmental and industrial processes.

Moderator

Peter Thielen, Johns Hopkins University

Dr. Peter Thielen is a senior staff scientist with a background in molecular biology and genomics. His research focuses on advancing DNA and RNA sequencing to support rapid decision-making, including in the clinical, environmental, and national security domains. He currently leads multiple programs that focus on transitioning basic research approaches to operational environments, including viral genomic surveillance (e.g., influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2), characterization of genetically modified plant species, and the use of aquatic environmental DNA for ecological species monitoring.