Interview with Dr. Belle Damodara Shenoy: Exploring the Frontiers of Marine  Mycology

Science flourishes when curiosity meets determination and a willingness to venture beyond the familiar. Dr. Belle Damodara Shenoy exemplifies these qualities through his distinguished contributions to marine mycology and science outreach. Renowned for integrating laboratory research with environmental innovation and mentoring, Dr. Shenoy’s work has been instrumental in uncovering the secret lives of fungi within coastal ecosystems.

Holding a doctorate in fungal taxonomy from the University of Hong Kong, he has advanced our understanding of the role fungi play in marine and coastal environments. As the Editor-in-Chief of MycoAsia and a member of several journal editorial boards, Dr. Shenoy’s publications span topics from fungal diversity and microbial interactions to bioremediation strategies. His groundbreaking research on tarball-associated microbes in the BIOPROSmar project has highlighted innovative approaches to marine pollution. Further, demonstrating how microbes can drive sustainable environmental change.

Alongside his scientific achievements, Dr. Shenoy is recognized for his dedication to mentoring both doctoral and master’s candidates. As well as his commitment to broadening public understanding of science through writing in regional languages such as Kannada and Hindi. His journey from the small town of Belle in Karnataka to an international reputation as a leader in microbial science underscores his passion and vision.

This interview presents Dr. Shenoy’s reflections on his academic path, influential research, and the future of marine mycology. Indeed, offering insights into his approach to mentorship, science communication, and the vital role fungi play in India’s evolving Blue Economy.

Let’s Get Started with the Interview

Q1: Could you share what inspired you to pursue a career in marine microbiology and mycology? 

My career is rooted in a lifelong passion for mycology, the study of fungi. This interest began during my academic training, which eventually led to a Ph.D. in fungal taxonomy from the  University of Hong Kong in 2007, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre in Canada.

My tenure with CSIR began in 2008 at CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) in Chandigarh before I moved to CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa and Visakhapatnam. I focused on exploring the diversity,  ecological roles, and biotechnological potential of fungi and bacteria in coastal and oceanic ecosystems. What inspires me most is the opportunity to bridge rigorous scientific research with public awareness, so that young people are motivated to take up science and society as a whole. Thus, it can move towards a healthier marine environment. 

Q2: Were there any key moments during your academic journey that shaped your research interests in marine microbiology? 

Yes, there were several turning points. One important moment was the shift in mycology from traditional, morphology-based taxonomy to molecular methods. I adopted DNA-based taxonomy early in my career, and my 2007 paper, titled “Impact of DNA sequence data on the taxonomy of anamorphic fungi,“ laid the foundation for all my subsequent work. This ability to identify fungi precisely has been essential in linking them to ecological roles and biotechnological uses.

Another key decision was to pursue a Senior Management Programme from IIM Kozhikode and later an MBA in Marketing from Mizoram University. This was to complement my scientific knowledge with leadership and managerial skills, which are necessary for research funding, teamwork, and effective science communication. 

Q3: What drives your passion and keeps you motivated in your research? 

What keeps me motivated is the sense of purpose that science can serve society. I am both a mycologist and a science communicator. My curiosity about the hidden world of marine microbes and how they can provide solutions to challenges like marine pollution or antibiotic resistance drives my work. At the same time, I find motivation in inspiring students and in making science more accessible to the public. 

Q4: Your research focuses on marine fungi. What makes these organisms so fascinating to study? 

Marine fungi are fascinating because of their unusual biology and important ecological functions. They do not photosynthesise like plants or ingest solids like animals. Yet they are critical players in decomposition and nutrient recycling. The competitive marine environment has forced them to evolve unique metabolic pathways, making them a rich source of novel compounds. Their secondary metabolites are often very different from those of terrestrial fungi. They have great potential for human benefit, especially in medicine and biotechnology.

Q5: How do trace metals, like zinc, influence marine fungal diversity and function?

Trace metals such as zinc play a dual role. In small amounts, they are essential micronutrients,  but at higher levels, they can be toxic pollutants. My research examines how such gradients impact fungal diversity and function. Marine fungi have evolved impressive strategies to tolerate metals, including sequestration within cells, binding to cell walls, or chemical transformation. 

By understanding these mechanisms, we can apply them in bioremediation and provide nature-based solutions to metal pollution in coastal waters. 

Q6: Marine fungi are known to have pharmaceutical potential. Could you elaborate on this? 

Yes, the marine environment is emerging as a promising frontier for new medicines. Because marine fungi live in competitive habitats, they produce unique secondary metabolites, some of which have antibacterial activity. For example, a 2024 review reported 72 new antibacterial compounds from marine fungi.

Genera such as Penicillium and Aspergillus are especially promising. Although the journey from discovery to drug development is long, these findings give us vital leads. This helps tackle antibiotic resistance, which is one of the greatest public health challenges today. 

Q7: What challenges have you faced in your research, and how have you overcome them?

One of the major challenges is translating discoveries into applications. Taking a compound from the lab to clinical use requires years of work, funding, and collaboration across disciplines. To overcome this, I strongly believe in building collaborative, multi-institutional research programmes. Such networks are the way forward to convert our scientific knowledge into societal benefit. 

Q8: From your perspective, what are the most urgent environmental issues facing marine ecosystems today? 

The oceans face multiple interconnected challenges that affect all marine life. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices are depleting fish populations faster than they can recover, which disrupts food webs and threatens livelihoods. Pollution from industrial discharge, oil spills, and plastic waste, including microplastics found even in deep waters, is degrading habitats and entering the food chain.

Climate change and ocean acidification are causing rising temperatures, coral bleaching, and weakening of shell-forming organisms, which may lead to ecosystem collapse. Coastal development is also destroying mangroves and seagrass beds that are essential nurseries for marine species and provide protection to shorelines.

Q9: How significant is international collaboration in advancing marine science research?

International cooperation is essential because oceans have no borders. Issues like climate change, pollution, and overfishing are global, and solutions require collective effort. Apart from formal collaborations, I also contribute through editorial roles. For example, as Editor-in-Chief of MycoAsia, which helps create networks and gives a voice to scientists from underrepresented regions. 

Q10: Looking at India specifically, what would you say are its strengths and weaknesses in the field of marine microbiology? 

India has both strengths and challenges. The country’s long coastline and rich biodiversity provide an excellent natural laboratory for microbial research. National initiatives such as the  Blue Economy, the Deep Ocean Mission, and the Seaweed Mission show strong governmental commitment. There are also pioneering conservation efforts, such as coral and seagrass restoration projects. On the other hand, India’s coastal ecosystems remain vulnerable to overfishing, pollution, and other activities.  

Q11: Where do you see the fields of marine microbiology and mycology heading over the next decade?

The next decade will be transformative. With “multi-omics” approaches such as metagenomics,  transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, we are now able to study microbes that cannot be cultured in the laboratory. This will allow us to uncover their ecological functions in their natural habitats. I believe marine microbiology and mycology will make significant contributions to health, climate science, and biotechnology in the near future. 

Q12: Which emerging technologies or interdisciplinary approaches excite you most in studying microbial diversity and ocean health? 

Technologies like long-read sequencing, particularly Oxford Nanopore, are very exciting because they allow complete genome assemblies. And the discovery of silent gene clusters that may lead to new drugs or bioremediation strategies. Environmental DNA, or eDNA, is equally revolutionary because it provides a non-invasive way to assess biodiversity across the spectrum of marine life, from microbes to mammals. This technology gives us a comprehensive picture of ecosystem health at an unprecedented scale. 

Q13: How can scientists communicate their research effectively to the public and inspire interest in marine conservation? 

Science communication must go beyond just transmitting facts. It should be empathetic, audience-centered, and strategic. My approach is to understand the audience and explain concepts in simple, jargon-free language. The aim is not only to inform but also to create a sense of connection with the marine environment so that people feel empowered to participate in its conservation. 

Q14: Finally, what advice would you give to students aiming for a career in marine microbiology?

Marine science is demanding but very rewarding. Students should first build a strong foundation in core subjects like biology, chemistry, and mathematics. They should also develop skills in data analysis, statistics, and computer technology. Equally important are soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, writing, and public speaking.

Above all, curiosity, patience, and perseverance are crucial because marine research often involves rigorous lab and field work.  For those who pursue it with dedication, this career offers the opportunity to make a real difference to the future of our oceans and our planet.

Conclusion

Dr. Belle Damodara Shenoy’s career is a testament to how scientific curiosity, when combined with persistence and vision. Moreover, it can transform our understanding of the natural world. His work bridges fundamental science with practical solutions to pressing global challenges.

What stands out most is his belief that science must serve both society and the environment. Dr. Shenoy embodies the role of a scientist deeply connected to the community and conservation. He does this by developing bioremediation strategies and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

His insights teach us that microbes can play powerful roles in sustaining ecosystems and human well-being. For students, his advice is clear: cultivate curiosity, resilience, and openness to collaboration. Truly, protecting our oceans is not only a scientific necessity but also a shared responsibility. We thank you, Sir, for your time and valuable insights.

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