About Kenneth

Dr. Kenneth Nealson is a renowned scientist who pioneered the field of electromicrobiology, which studies how microscopic life interacts with electrical energy. He is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Earth Sciences and Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC), where he held the prestigious Wrigley Chair of Environmental Studies for many years. Kenneth began his research career studying glowing, or luminous, bacteria that turn chemical energy into light. He soon found an even more fascinating group of microbes: bacteria that are able to breathe rocks or metals instead of oxygen, effectively generating or using electricity. This process is called Extracellular Electron Transport (EET). This discovery revolutionized our understanding of life, proving that bacteria could achieve feats previously thought impossible. Kenneth’s ongoing work has provided practical solutions to critical global challenges. These bacteria can be used to clean up toxic waste by naturally converting harmful metals into harmless minerals, a process called bioremediation. They are also essential in developing new, sustainable technologies like microbial fuel cells for energy production, and they offer crucial insights for the search for extreme life on other planets. Kenneth’s discoveries have fundamentally changed how we view biological design and its potential.