Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marco Coolen | Sedimentary ancient DNA | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor of Molecular Paleoecology at Curtin University, Australia.

Dr. Marco J.L. Coolen is an Associate Professor of Molecular Paleoecology at Curtin University, Australia 🇦🇺. A pioneer in sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) research 🧬, he explores past microbial communities and environmental change through molecular techniques. With over 23 years of international research experience 🌍, his work spans deep-sea ecosystems, cave microbiomes, and Indigenous rock art conservation 🪨. He has published in top journals like Science and PNAS, and actively contributes to global scientific communities. Dr. Coolen leads major projects in microbial ecology, bioremediation, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction, mentoring future scientists 👨‍🔬 and shaping the future of earth system science 🌿.

Prfoessional Profile:

ORCID

Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Marco J.L. Coolen

Dr. Marco J.L. Coolen is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering contributions to molecular paleoecology, particularly in the field of sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA). With over 23 years of global research experience, his groundbreaking work has not only advanced scientific understanding of past microbial ecosystems and climate change but also contributed to cultural heritage conservation. He has published extensively in top-tier journals such as Science and PNAS, demonstrating both scholarly excellence and real-world relevance. His consistent research impact, interdisciplinary leadership, and mentorship make him a top contender for this recognition.

🎓 Education and Experience

• 🎓 Ph.D. in Molecular Microbial Ecology, University of Oldenburg, Germany (2001)

• 🎓 M.Sc. in Cellular Biology & Microbial Ecology, Wageningen University, Netherlands (1996)

• 🎓 B.Sc. in Microbiology, International Agricultural College Larenstein, Netherlands (1992)

• 🧪 Associate Professor, Curtin University, Australia 🇦🇺

• 🔬 Associate & Assistant Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), USA 🇺🇸

• 🧫 Postdoctoral Investigator, Royal NIOZ & University of Groningen, Netherlands 🇳🇱

📈 Professional Development

Dr. Coolen has continuously advanced his expertise through global collaborations and leadership in high-impact projects 🌐. He is a member of the IODP Science Committee 🌊, Editor for Frontiers in Microbiology 📚, and guest editor for special issues on ancient microbiomes 🧬. He has mentored over 20 graduate researchers and several postdocs 🎓. Dr. Coolen actively engages in interdisciplinary research and training initiatives, including the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program 🪨 and Lake Towuti sedaDNA projects in Sulawesi 🇮🇩. His knowledge is regularly sought by top journals and funding bodies, reflecting his leadership and dedication to microbial and paleoenvironmental sciences 🔍.

🔍 Research Focus Category

Dr. Coolen’s research focuses on Molecular Paleoecology, specializing in sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) 🧬. His interdisciplinary studies link microbial ecology, geobiology, and climate science to reconstruct past ecosystems and environmental changes 🌍. He investigates ancient microbial communities, algal blooms, and evolutionary dynamics in marine and freshwater environments 🌊. His work also includes the impact of microorganisms on cultural heritage such as Aboriginal rock art 🪨, microbial bioremediation, and deep biosphere microbiomes 🌋. With cutting-edge DNA techniques, Dr. Coolen reveals the unseen microbial past, providing critical insights into biodiversity shifts, climate feedbacks, and ecosystem resilience over geological timescales 🧫🌿.

🏆 Awards and Honors

• 🏅 Curtin Research Excellence Awards – 2017, 2019

• 🌍 CAS PIFI Guest Professorship, Chinese Academy of Sciences

• 🥇 VENI Award, Netherlands Research Council (NWO)

• 👨‍🏫 Mentor of Ph.D. and Postdoctoral Scholars, including Dr. Bill Orsi (LMU Munich)

• 🏆 Invited Keynote Speaker & Panelist, various international conferences

Publication Top Notes

1. 🛢️ Title: Microbiological assessment of reservoir souring in oil fields of Siri Island, Persian Gulf, during water injection

   • Authors: M. Sadeghi, M. Tabaei, M. R. Kamali, B. Rasekh, M. Coolen

   • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology

   • Published: April 2025

   • DOI: 10.1007/s13762-024-06297-x

   • Summary: This study investigates microbial-induced souring in oil reservoirs on Siri Island during water injection operations. It highlights the key microbial players responsible for sulfide production and proposes mitigation strategies to prevent biocorrosion and enhance oil recovery efficiency.

2. 🌿 Title: A Quaternary Sedimentary Ancient DNA (sedaDNA) Record of Fungal–Terrestrial Ecosystem Dynamics in a Tropical Biodiversity Hotspot (Lake Towuti, Sulawesi, Indonesia)

   • Authors: Md Akhtar-E Ekram, Cornelia Wuchter, Satria Bijaksana, Kliti Grice, James Russell, Janelle Stevenson, Hendrik Vogel, Marco J.L. Coolen

   • Journal: Microorganisms

   • Published: April 27, 2025

   • DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13051005

   • Summary: Utilizing ancient fungal sedaDNA, this research reconstructs terrestrial ecosystem changes in the Lake Towuti region over Quaternary timescales. The findings reveal detailed shifts in fungal biodiversity linked to climate and environmental changes in a tropical hotspot.

3. 🪨 Title: Deep subsurface microbial life in impact‐altered Late Paleozoic granitoid rocks from the Chicxulub impact crater

   • Authors: Sohaib Naseer Quraish, Charles Cockell, Cornelia Wuchter, David Kring, Kliti Grice, Marco J.L. Coolen

   • Journal: Geobiology

   • Published: January 2024

   • DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12583

   • Summary: This paper explores microbial communities thriving in ancient granitoid rocks modified by the Chicxulub impact. It reveals survival mechanisms and energy sources used by subsurface life in one of Earth’s most extreme environments, enhancing our understanding of deep biosphere habitats.

4. 📘 Title: Bacterial and Archaeal DNA from Lake Sediments

   • Authors: Aurèle Vuillemin, Marco J.L. Coolen, Jens Kallmeyer, Susanne Liebner, Stefan Bertilsson

   • Source: Tracking Environmental Change Using Lake Sediments (Book chapter)

   • Published: 2023

   • DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-43799-1_4

   • ISBN: 9783031437984 / 9783031437991

   • ISSN: 1571-5299 / 2215-1672

   • Summary: This chapter details the extraction, sequencing, and interpretation of bacterial and archaeal DNA from lake sediments. It emphasizes their utility in reconstructing past environments and microbial ecosystem dynamics over millennia.

5. 🌿 Title: Interpreting the Molecular Record in Extraordinarily Preserved Concretion Fossils: Mimicking Microbial Fossilisation of Modern Gingko Leaves and True Fern Fronds

   • Authors: K. Grice, H. Vijay, A. Elson, M. Tripp, M. Coolen, A. Holman, C. Wuchter, N. Dhami

   • Source: IMOG 2023 (International Meeting on Organic Geochemistry) – Conference Abstract

   • Published: 2023

   • DOI: 10.3997/2214-4609.202333149

   • Summary: This abstract presents findings on molecular preservation in fossil concretions. Using experiments that simulate microbial fossilization of modern plant tissues, the study sheds light on mechanisms that allow biomolecules to persist over geological timescales.

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Coolen exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher through sustained excellence in innovative, interdisciplinary science, international leadership, and impactful mentorship. His work continues to reshape how we understand Earth’s microbial history and climate resilience, making him eminently deserving of the Best Researcher Award.