Yu Sun profile picture

Yu
Sun

Postdoctoral Researcher, Molecular Plant Biology

Contact

Links

Bioelectricity Group (Wey Group)
ResearchGate
ORCID

Areas of expertise

Environmental microbiology
bioelectrochemistry
electro-fermentation

Biography

  • Postdoctoral researcher, Bioelectricity Group (Wey Group), since September 2026. Studying extracellular electron transfer (EET) in cyanobacteria.
  • Previous postdoctoral researcher (Tampere University). Investigation of anodic current in methanotrophic bacteria. 
  • Doctor of Science (Technology), Environmental Engineering, Tampere University (2020–2026), focused on industrially relevant microbes and sustainable biotechnology.
  • MSc, Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University & Research (2017–2019).
  • MSc, Renewable Energy Development, Heriot-Watt University (2015–2016).


Research

My research uses polarised electrodes to steer the metabolism of industrially relevant microorganisms, with the goal of reducing the gas and energy demands of fermentation and making biotechnological processes more sustainable. My doctoral research investigated electro-fermentation in both an industrial workhorse, Bacillus subtilis, and wastewater-derived microbial communities. Since completing my doctorate in 2026, I have moved on to other environmental microorganisms with strong industrial potential, now focusing on mediator-based EET in methane-oxidising bacteria and cyanobacteria.

Research grants

  • 2024–2025: Research grant for postgraduate students (€24,500), Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion (Tekniikan edistämissäätiö)
  • 2020–2024: Four-year doctoral research grant, Tampere University Doctoral School
  • 2019: Erasmus+ International Mobility Grant for a research stay at the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Belgium

Publications

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