Ayush Kumar, PhD, FRSB

Research summary

Dr. Ayush Kumar focuses on antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens, a significant challenge in modern medicine. His research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind multidrug resistance in gram-negative pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, his work explores the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in the environment. With few new antimicrobials being developed, particularly for gram-negative bacteria, there is an urgent need for research to develop effective treatments, as highlighted by the World Health Organization.

Research interests

• Determinants of multidrug resistance and virulence in Acinetobacter baumannii
• Microbiological quality of drinking water from Manitoba First Nations
• Molecular mechanisms of assembly of RND efflux pumps of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Brief bio

Dr. Ayush Kumar is a professor in the Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Manitoba and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion lead for the Faculty of Science. He completed his BSc and MSc in Microbiology from Dr. R.M.L. Awadh University, India, and earned his PhD in Microbiology from the University of Manitoba. He conducted post-doctoral research at Colorado State University. Dr. Kumar was an assistant professor at Ontario Tech University before joining the University of Manitoba in 2013. He has served as president of the Canadian Society of Microbiologists and is currently on the executive committee.

Education

• Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology, University of Manitoba (2004)
• Master of Science in Microbiology, Dr. R.M.L. Awadh University, India (1999)
• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biochemistry, Dr. R.M.L. Awadh University, India (1997)

Awards

2024

• Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology

2022

• Professor of the Year (3000 level courses), Science Students’ Association, University of Manitoba

2019

• Professor of the Year (3000 level courses), Science Students’ Association, University of Manitoba

2018

• Nominated by the Department of Microbiology for the Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Campbell Outreach Award
• University of Manitoba Merit Award for Teaching, Service, and Research
• Outstanding Teacher Award, University of Manitoba
• Professor of the Year (3000 level courses), Science Students’ Association, University of Manitoba

2017

• Mid-Career Researcher Faculty of Science Award for Research Excellence in the Life Sciences, University of Manitoba
• Faculty of Science Award for Outreach, University of Manitoba
• Outstanding Teacher Award, University of Manitoba
• Professor of the Year (3000 level courses), Science Students’ Association, University of Manitoba

2016

• Outreach Award, University of Manitoba
• Professor of the Year (3000 level courses), Science Students’ Association, University of Manitoba
• Outstanding Teacher Award, University of Manitoba