DAE-WOOK KANG
Education
· University of Wisconsin-Madison, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ph.D. 2009
· Seoul National University, Civil and Environmental Engineering, M.S. 2002
· Seoul National University, Civil Engineering (Urban Engr. Major) B.S. 1998
Professional Appointments
· 2019.1. – present, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Toledo
· 2018.6. – 2018.12. Associate Research Scientist, Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University
· 2014.6. – 2018.5. Assistant Research Scientist, Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University
· 2009.9. – 2014.5. Postdoctoral Research Associate, Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University
· 2003.9. – 2009.8. Research Assistant, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
· 2002.9. – 2003.8. Project Assistant, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
· 2001.3. – 2002.8. / 1998.3. – 1998.11. Research Assistant, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University.
Research Interests
My research focuses on employing multi-omics technologies and bioinformatics to advance understanding of the role of microbiota on environmental engineering systems, nature, and human health, and eventually to improve human public health and environment sustainability.
Awards And Honors
· President’s Award for Excellence in Creative and Scholarly Activity, University of Toledo (2021, 2022)
· Kang et al. (2017 Microbiome) paper, selected as a must-read article as part of the 2018 Springer Nature Change the World initiative
· Abstract featured and live-interviewed at 114th General meeting of American Society for Microbiology (2014)
· Rotary International, Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship (2002)
· Brain Korea 21 (BK21) scholarship, Research Division of Seoul National University/Hanyang University for Social Infrastructure and Construction Technology (2001)
· The Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) from the U.S. Army (2001)
· Tuition and fee scholarship, Department of Civil Engineering, Seoul National University (1995-1997)
Patents
· Microbiome markers and therapies for autism spectrum disorders. (2017) Krajmalnik-Brown, R., Kang, D.-W., Park, J. G., Labaer, J., Ilhan, Z. US Patent 9,719,144
· US patent 11202808, “Methods for treating autism spectrum disorder and associated symptoms” (Dec 2021) Adams, James; Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa; Kang, Dae-Wook; Sadowsky, Michael; Khoruts, Alex and Borody, Thomas.
· Methods and Composition for Changing Metabolite Levels in Subject. Adams, James; Kang, Dae-Wook and Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa. US Patent Application No. 16/348,425, 2020. Assignors: Crestovo Holdings LLC.
Conference Presentations
1. Siddiquee, M., Cornelius, S., Beecher, A., Schaeffer, G., Yun, T.-S, Bridgeman, T., Seo, Y., Kang, D.-W.. (2022) ““Identifying Microbial Biomarkers for Early Detection and Health Diagnosis of Harmful Algal Blooms in Freshwater Lakes” Poster presentation (accepted) at the 12th international conference on toxic cyanobacteria, May 22-27, 2022, Toledo, Ohio
2. Qureshi, F., Adams, J. B., Hanagan, K., Kang, D.-W., Krajmalnik-Brown R., Hahn, J. (2020) “Machine learning of fecal metabolites of children with autism spectrum disorder during microbiota transfer therapy” Virtual AlChE Annual Meeting, November 19, 2020.
3. Kang, D.-W., Adams, J. B., Coleman, C., Pollard, E. L., Maldonado, J., McDonough-Means, S., Caporaso, J. G., and Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2019) “Microbiota Transfer Therapy modifies gut environment to be beneficial on autism and gut symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders” has been selected for an oral presentation at the 2019 Association of Environmental Engineering & Science Professors (AEESP) Research and Education Conference at ASU, May 14–16, 2019, Tempe, Arizona.
4. Krajmalnik-Brown, R., Kang, D.-W., Coleman, C., Pollard, E. L., Maldonado, J., McDonough-Means, S., Caporaso, J. G., and Adams, J. B. (2018) “2-year follow-up study reveals consistent benefits of Microbiota Transfer Therapy on autism and gut symptoms” Poster presentation at 7th Conference on Beneficial Microbes, July 8-11, 2018, Madison, Wisconsin.
5. Kang, D.-W., Adams, J. B., Khoruts, A., Maldonado, J., McDonough Means, S., Pollard, E. L., Sadowsky, M. J., Schwarzberg Lipson, K., Caporaso, J. G., and Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2017) “Fecal Microbiota Transplant Improves Gastrointestinal and Autism Symptoms by Changing the Gut Bacterial Community and Fecal Metabolites” Oral presentation at American Society for Microbiology conference (ASM Microbe 2017), June 15, 2017, New Orleans, Louisiana.
6. Kang, D.-W. and Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2014) “Gut bacteria in children with autism”, Oral presentation at Autism Conferences of America, Sep 12-13, 2014, Phoenix, Arizona.
7. Kang, D.-W., Ilhan, E. Z., Isern, N. G., Hoyt, D. W., Lozupone C., Adams, J. B., and Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2014) “Microbial metabolites in feces of children and their possible effect on autism spectrum disorders” Oral presentation at 15th International Society on Microbial Ecology, August 24-29, Seoul, South Korea.
8. Kang, D.-W., Ilhan, E. Z., Isern, N. G., Hoyt, D. W., Adams, J. B., and Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2014) “Microbial metabolites and their possible effect on autism spectrum disorders” Poster presentation at the 114th General meeting of the American Society of Microbiology, May 17-20, Boston, Massachusetts.
9. Ilhan, E. Z., Kang, D.-W., DiBaise, J. K., Marcus, A. K., Rittmann, B. E., and Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2013) “Roux-En-Y gastric by-pass and laparoscropic banding surgeries affect the dynamics of gut microbial ecology and metabolism” Poster presentation at Obesity week, Nov 11-16, Atlanta, Georgia.
10. Krajmalnik-Brown, R., Ilhan, Z. E., Kang, D.-W., Marcus, A. K., DiBaise, J. K., and Rittmann, B. E. (2013) “Effects of surgical weight loss procedures on the gut microbiome” Poster presentation at Gordon Research Conference, July 14-19, Easton, Massachusetts.
11. Wimmer, M., Kang, D.-W., Krajmalnik-Brown, R., and Herckes, P. (2013) “Microorganisms in fog and their impact on fog chemistry” Poster presentation at International Conference on Fog, Fog collection and Dew, May 19-24, Yokohama, Japan.
12. Delgado, A. G., Nelson, K. G., Done, H. Y., Fajardo-Williams, D., Ziv-El, M., Miceli, J. F., Kang, D.-W., and Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2013) “Pristine and contaminated environments yield robust trichloroethene to ethene-respiring consortia: the impact of enrichment techniques” 113th General Meeting, American Society for Microbiology, May 18-21, Denver, Colorado.
13. Ilhan, E. Z., Kang, D.-W., DiBaise, J. K., Rittmann, B. E., and Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2013) “Changes in gut microbial ecology after Roux-En-Y gastric by-pass and laparoscopic banding surgeries” Oral presentation at 52nd American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Arizona/Southern Nevada Branch, Apr 13, Tucson, Arizona.
14. Ilhan, E. Z., Kang, D.-W., and Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2012) “Age defines the beneficial gut microbiome composition and function”, Poster presentation at 4th American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Conference on Beneficial Microbes, Oct 22-26, 2012, San Antonio, Texas.
15. Kang, D.-W., Park, J.G., Ilhan, E.Z., Adams, J.B., and Krajmalnik-Brown, R., (2012) “Autism-associated systematic changes in gut microflora”, Poster presentation at the 112th General meeting of the American Society of Microbiology, June 16-19, 2012, San Francisco, California.
16. Kang, D.-W., Lee, H.-S., Krajmalnik-Brown R., and Rittmann B. E. (2011) “Exploring Microbial Community in SMEC with Two Different Wastewaters as Electron Donors.” Oral presentation at 242nd American Chemical Society conference, March 27-31, Anaheim, California.
17. Kang, D.-W., and Noguera, D.R., (2011) “Development of a Novel Strategy to Cultivate Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR) Microorganisms.” Oral presentation at WEFTEC2011, Oct16-19, Los Angeles, California. USA.
18. Krajmalnik-Brown, R., Kang, D.-W., Ilhan, E.Z., and Adams, J.B., (2011) “Relationship of intestinal microbial ecology with autistic gastrointestinal problems”, Poster presentation at FASEB summer research conferences, July 24-29, 2011. Carefree, Arizona. USA.
19. Kang, D.-W., Ilhan Z. E., Rittmann B. E., Adams J. B., and Krajmalnik-Brown R. (2011) “Exploring Microbial Community in Autistic Children”, Poster presentation, International Human Microbiome Congress, March 9-11, Vancouver, Canada.
20. Kang, D.-W., Zhang H., Crowell M. D., Rittmann B. E., DiBaise J. K., and Krajmalnik-Brown R. (2010) “Human Gut Microbiota in Obesity and after Gastric Bypass”, Poster presentation at the ASU-Mayo Clinic Arizona Research Symposium, October 2, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
21. Ziv-El M., Delgado A., Yao Y., Muto K., Kang, D.-W., Halden R.U., and Krajmalnik-Brown R. (2010) “Molecular-Biological Characterization of a Novel, Sediment-Free Mixed Culture Showing Exceptionally Rapid Decholorination of Trichloroethene to Ethene.” Poster presentation at the 13th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology ISME-13. August 22-27, Seattle, Washington, USA.
22. Parameswaran P., Torres, C. I., Kang, D.-W., Rittmann B. E., and Krajmalnik-Brown R. (2010) “The role of homo-acetogenic bacteria as efficient hydrogen scavengers in microbial electrochemical systems (MXCs)” Oral presentation at IWA Biofilms Reactor Technology Conference, August 15-18, Portland, Oregon, USA.
23. Kang, D.-W. and Noguera, Daniel R. (2007) “Pilot-scale investigation to achieve very low nitrogen and phosphorus effluents by retrofitting a university of Cape Town (UCT) process”, Oral presentation at WEFTEC 2007, October 13-17, San Diego, California, USA.
24. Kang, D.-W. and Noguera, Daniel R. (2007) “Pilot-scale investigation to achieve very low nitrogen and phosphorus effluents at the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District”, Oral presentation at 80th Central States WEA, May 23, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
25. Kim, G. D., Choi, Y. G., Kim, H. J., Kang, D.-W., and Chung, T. H. (2003) “Effect of the dissolved oxygen on particle size distribution of microbial flocs in a sequencing batch reactor”, Asian waterqual, October 19-23, Bangkok, Thailand.
Invited Presentations
1. Kang, D.-W. (2021) “Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater entering municipal wastewater treatment plants at northwestern Ohio” Virtual seminar at Chonbook National University, December 9, 2021, South Korea.
2. Kang, D.-W. (2021) “Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater entering municipal wastewater treatment plants at northwestern Ohio” Ohio Water Environmental Association (OWEA) Northwest Section meeting, March 24, 2021, Carey, Ohio.
3. Kang, D.-W. (2020) “Autism and Gut Microbiome” Autism Center & Research Development (ACARD) seminar series at the Department of Psychiatry in the University of Toledo, June 17, 2020, Toledo, Ohio. Virtual.
4. Kang, D.-W. (2020) “Long-term benefit of Microbiota Transfer Therapy on autism symptoms and gut microbiome” has been invited as a speaker at 6th Annual Translational Microbiome Conference, April 21-24, 2020 Virtual.
5. Kang, D.-W. (2020) “Environmental Biotechnology working with microbes: Microbiome and human health” Biosciences & Biotechnology Division Seminar at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, January 21, 2020, Livermore, California.
6. Kang, D.-W. (2019) “Long-term benefit of microbiota transfer therapy on autism symptoms and gut microbiota” Biological Sciences Seminar at the University of Toledo, November 15, 2019, Toledo, Ohio.
7. Kang, D.-W. (2019) “Long-term benefit of microbiota transfer therapy on autism symptoms and gut microbiota” Department of Chemical Engineering Seminar at the University of Toledo, October 17, 2019, Toledo, Ohio.
8. Kang, D.-W. (2019) “Long-term benefit of microbiota transfer therapy on autism symptoms and gut microbiota” Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology Seminar Series at the University of Toledo, October 2, 2019, Toledo, Ohio.
9. Kang, D.-W. and Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2016) “Alterations in gut microbial composition and their metabolites have a potential role on autism spectrum disorders” Oral presentation at Dept. Speech and Hearing Science at Arizona State University, April 13, 2016, Tempe, Arizona.
10. Kang, D.-W. and Krajmalnik-Brown, R. (2015) “Alterations in intestinal microbial populations may lead to modifications in neuroactive metabolites in children with autism spectrum disorders”, Oral presentation at Science and Mathematics Seminars at ASU Polytechnic campus on Oct 2015, Mesa, Arizona.
Synergeistic Activites
· Ad hoc reviewers for journals: mSphere, ACS Analytical Chemistry, European Journal of Pediatrics, Plos One, Metabolite, mSystems, Digestive Disease and Science, Molecular Autism, Scientific Reports
· Professional memberships: American Society of Microbiology, International Society for Microbial Ecology, Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP)
· Proposal Reviewer: U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR in France)
· Organizing committee at a molecular-bioinformatic workshop section, the 5th International Society for Microbial Electrochemistry and Technology Conference (ISMET) October 1-4, 2015, Arizona State University.