Koffi Nouho Ouattara:
Koffi completed an MSc, Water Science and Technology, at Nangui Abrogoua University (Ivory Coast), a Professional MSc, Water Technology, at University of Liège (Belgium), and in 2012, a PhD in Water microbiology, University of Brussels (Belgium).
Dr. Ouattara is currently Lecturer and Researcher (Environmental microbiology and microbial ecotoxicology) at Nangui Abrogoua University, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. He also heads the eDNA laboratory and the Department of Research Valorization, Innovation and Technology at the University.
His key domains of interest are in the development of genomic tools (Barcoding and Metabarcoding) for Aquatic biodiversity monitoring, protection and conservation, as well as genomic tools (Metagenomic) for Biotechnology. This includes partnerships or collaborations as a member of:
AtlanECO: Ocean Microbiome and microplastics — setting up an Ocean Microbiome network focused on metagenomic and microbial ecotoxicology;
Freshwater BON (FWBON): (Biodiversity monitoring — GEOBON);
Validate Network affiliate: Pathogen genomics (Anti-Microbial Resistance/Outbreak surveillance);
eDNA Collaborative (Metabarcoding and barcoding; Visiting Program Fellow).
Koffi is also a trainer for engineering offices in eDNA approaches to Environmental Impact Assessment (including parks and natural reserves for biodiversity monitoring) — setting up eDNA labs for the Natural Reserve of Dahliafleur, the National Park of Taï, and Parc national of Banco.
Specific projects and support include:
Improving freshwater biodiversity conservation in Côte d'Ivoire using DNA-based monitoring funded by CEPF;
Improving eDNA laboratory methods with portable equipment (eDNA collaborative — University of Washington);
Plastics of Abidjan: Fate and Impacts (IRD) (mNGS for Microbial diversity and plastics biodegradation);
LeDNA Global lake sampling (ETHz eDNA — University of Zurich, Switzerland).