Who said Microbiologists aren't important in today's World?

As rhetorical as this may sound, so many people may beg to differ. The picture of a microbiologist in their head is basically someone wearing a laboratory coat in the lab, or maybe using the microscope to view a possible microscopic organism or whatever thing related to the laboratory. Quite stereotypical isn't it? Well, microbiology has moved past that level a long time ago and so has microbiologists. My first ever article, "Are Microbiologists Underappreciated in today's World?" highlighted some of these prevailing issues and all the contributions microbiology seeks to make and have made in different fields, disputing the claim that microbiology is just a mere health related field which only encapsulates detrimental effects from microorganisms in the environment.

WHO IS A MICROBIOLOGIST?

According to Wikipedia a Microbiologist is a scientist who studies microscopic life forms and processes. This includes study of the growth, interactions and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi and some types of parasites and vectors.

I am very sure this little definition here does not really answer the question you keep asking yourself. What does a microbiologist really do?. Well, one important thing to note is that microbiology has sub fields on its own, showing its unique broadness and diversity. The most popular field can be said to be Medical Microbiology as it is quite popular amongst people, as the name implies, it entails anything medical, ranging from microorganisms that are causative agents of illnesses to other medical related topics. Pharmaceutical microbiology involves the study of microorganisms capable of manufacturing drugs (getting interesting right?). Industrial microbiology on the other hand deals with the production of industrial products in large quantities with microorganisms. Who would have even thought their would be a day where the two words, microorganisms and production would be used in one sentence (it is what is). Environmental science is more of a remedial part of microbiology, restructuring, repairing and enabling a better and sustainable environment with the use of these same microorganisms that are perceived to be detrimental to the environment and human health in general.

With this brief MCB 101 tutorial, I believe you have gotten a little glimpse of what microbiology entails and I hope I have convinced you that microbiology is more than what you think it is. Now, to the business of the day. Drumrolls!

MICROBIOLOGISTS, MICROBIOLOGY IN TRANSITION

Presently, and also in years to come microbiologists will play a very critical role in this transition era. As the World seeks to transition from conventional sources of energy that seems to be hurting the Earth to greener forms of energy enabling a net-zero emission World, intense research are being carried out. International Oil companies are presently investing heavily on research, searching for a new "Green Gold". The International Energy Agency has predicted that within now and 2050 biofuel would take up about 64% of total oil usage. Also talks are ongoing on the use of these biofuels in other transportation sectors like the airplanes, ships and other means of transportation.

WHAT IS A BIOFUEL?

A biofuel can be defined as any fuel derived from a biomass, ranging from algae, plant, animal wastes and others. This form of energy is a renewable source of energy unlike fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas.

The use of algae in the production of biofuel has over time gained momentum as different institutions around the globe are currently investing heavily in this field because why not? The organism, Algae possess structures that enable them replicate easily thereby leading to high yield. The use of Algae for this cause is called the Third generation of Bioenergy. In contrast to the previous generations that was based mainly of food crops like corn, sugarcane and other plants used this use of algae solves the problem of using food crops meant for human consumption for biofuel production thereby reducing the food quantity which can also lead to food scarcity. Imagine planting a field of corn just for biofuel production whereas there is also a need for food security especially in developing countries. Also the use of fertilizers could also be a financial constraint to tackle. Whereas, cultivation of algae needs none of this and hence seems like a more sustainable option.

Do you remember the definition of microbiologists? Well, i stated earlier that microbiologists are scientists who studies microscopic life forms and processes. This includes study of the growth, interactions and characteristics of microscopic organisms such as algae. This definition gives us the answer. For the production of algae generated biofuels, microbiologists are needed for its growth, production, research, scaling up, development, and many more.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 1,700 openings for microbiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. As a microbiologist today, if you have ever felt neglected or marginalized fear no more, dust off your certificate and move on because we are about to change the World and get the desired appreciation and recognition we have always deserved.