Joe Eugene Lepo, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Microbiology
Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation
University of West Florida

Main emphasis of current research is in the applied environmental microbiology, microbial ecology and microbial physiology of microorganisms that respond to or affect environmental health or ecosystem function. I have also initiated a project “Phytopathogens as Agents of Bioterrorism” that will develop methods for the detection and risk assessment of introduced phytopathogenic microorganisms on food and fiber production. Other interests include: hydrocarbon biodegradation; includes the environmental effects of both hydrocarbon pollution and of remediation efforts on polluted sites. Biosurfactants produced by microorganisms facilitate biodegradation of hydrocarbons; I am interested in the genetic and physiological regulation of biosurfactants production by bacteria, their toxicity relative to synthetic surfactants, and their utility in remediation of hydrophobic spills (four Master’s students). These research activities have components in analytical chemistry, molecular biology, microbial physiology, and environmental toxicology. I have a strong interest in environmental water quality, particularly regarding microbiological, nutrients, and hydrocarbon contamination.

Phone: (850) 857-6098
Fax: (850) 474-3130

Office: Building 058, Room 062G

Email: jlepo@uwf.edu