Hila Elifantz CV
Hila Elifantz - CV
Hila Elifantz – CV
The mina and Everdad Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences
Bar-Ilan University
Mobile: 052-5952516
e-mail:
Personal information:
Marital status: Single. Date of Birth: 1973. Address: Moshav Bitzaron
Education and additional training
1997 – 1999 B.Sc in Biotechnology and environmental sciences. Tel-HaiCollege, Upper Galilee, Israel.
2000 – 2001 M.Sc in Agriculture and environmental quality. Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
Thesis title: "Heavy metals uptake and biosorption by the macrophyte Ludwigia stolonifera"
Advised by Prof. Elisha Tel-or
2002 – 2006 PhD in Marine biology and Biochemistry. University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
Dissertation title: "Structure and function of microbial communities processing dissolved organic matter in marine environments"
Advised by Prof. David Kirchman
2007 – 2008 Post doctoral training with Prof. Derek Lovley (University of Massachusetts).
Research subject: Gene expression of Geobacter-dominated community during bioremediation of uranium-contaminated aquifer.
2008 – 2009 Postdoctoraltraining with Dr. Dror Minz (Agriculture Research Organization) and Prof. Yehuda Cohen (The Hebrew University).
Research subject: Microbial community composition and structure of biofilms.
2010-2012 Teaching certificate. Beit-Berl College.
Work experience
Research experience:
Lab Manager 2012-present - The mina and Everdad Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences
Bar-Ilan University
Post-doc Associate/Research Associate 2008 – 2012 - Agriculture Research Organization – Volcani Center and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Post-doc Associate 2007-2008 - University of Massachusetts, Amhesrt, MA, USA.
Research Assistant 2002-2006 – University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA. Part of the PhD program.
Research Assistant 2001-2002 - Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
Super oxide dismutase (SOD) protein expression in maize plants subjected to zinc deficiency. Maintained fungi cultures, prepared them for experiments, and perform the experiments on tomato model plants.
Research Assistant 2001-2002 - Faculty of agriculture, food and environmental sciences. Rehovot, Israel. Preparation of chloroplasts from rice and tobacco plants for microscope studies.
Field work and cruises experience:
July 2012 – Gulf of Aquaba Cruise. Sampling for various biological parameters.
2008-2009 – Periodic sampling at the Palmachim desalination plant. Water samples as well as biofilm were sampled for molecular and microscopy analyses.
August 2007 – Field work in the Rifle Department of Energy site, CO, USA. Work was done on a flow cell designed to monitor the bioremediation of uranium in a shallow aquifer. Groundwater samples were collected for geochemical, microbial community and gene expression analyses.
February 2004 – Clipperton Atoll expedition, Pacific Ocean. Sampling was done in highly eutrophic and challenging environment. Samples were collected for microcopy (direct counts, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH)), community DNA analysis, and isolations of culturable bacteria.
November 2002, July 2003 – Delaware Estuary and Mid-Atlantic Bight Cruises. Samples were taken for dissertation research and included work with radioisotopes. In addition sampling for chlorophyll, dissolved organic carbon and nutrients measurements, FISH, and direct counts were done.
Guiding and teaching experience:
Instructor, June 2010 – Mekorot Guiding Center – Biofilm course for engineers.
Lab instructor, 2008-2009 – College of Marine Studies, Michmoret – taught a lab class in marine microbial ecology methods. The students were guided in the various techniques available for microbial ecologists and the results were discussed.
Tourist and ecology guide 1993-2002 - Various employers
During this period I guided school excursions to different locations in Israel. I worked with students from all ages (8-18). In 2000-2002 I instructed high school, biology students in an ecology exercise required for their biology class. This exercise included field sampling, data plotting, data analysis and discussion.
Volunteer experience 1998-2001
I was active in environmental student organization, “Green Course”. During 1999 I was the head of the chapter in Tel-Hai college.
Publications
Bel, S.,Y. Elkis, H., Elifantz, O., Koren, R., Ben-Hamo, T., Lerer-Goldshtein, R., Rahimi, S.,Ben Horin, A., Nyska, S., Shpungin, and U., Nir.2014. Reprogrammed and transmissible intestinalmicrobiota confer diminished susceptibility to induced colitis in TMF-/- mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the Unites States of America 111: 4964-4969
Lakretz, A., H., Elifantz, I., Kviatkovski, G., Eshel, and H., Mamane.2014. Automatic microfiber filtration (AMF) of surface water: Impact on water quality and biofouling evolution. Water Research48: 592-604
Rahav, E., E., Bar-Zeev, S., Ohayon, H., Elifantz, N., Belkin, B., Herut, M.R., Mulholland, I. Berman-Frank. 2013. Dinitrogen fixation in aphotic oxygenated marine environments. Frontiers in Microbiology 4: Article Number: 00227
Elifantz, H.,G., Horn, M. Ayon, Y. Cohen, and D. Minz. 2013.Rhodobacteraceae are the key members of the microbial community of the initial biofilm formed in Eastern Mediterranean coastal seawater. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 85: 348-357
Eshel, G., H. Elifantz, S. Nuriel, M. Holenberg, and T. Berman. 2013. Microfiber filtration of lake water: impacts on TEP removal and biofouling development. Desalination and Water Treatment51: 1043-1049
Galand, P.E., M. Bourrain, E. De Maistre, P. Catala,Y. Desdevises, H. Elifantz, D.L. Kirchman, and P. Lebaron. 2012. Phylogenetic and functional diversity of Bacteria and Archaea in a unique stratified lagoon, the Clipperton atoll (N Pacific). FEMS Microbiology Ecology79: 203-217
Harif, T., H. Elifantz, E. Margalit, M. Herzberg, T. Lichi, and D. Minz 2011. The effect of UV pre-treatment on Biofouling of BWRO membranes: A field study. Desalination and Water Treatment 31: 151-163
Elifantz, H., L. Kautsky, M. Mor-Yosef, J. Tarchitzky, A. Bar-Tal, Y. Chen, and D. Minz. 2011. Microbial activity and organic matter dynamics during four-years of irrigation with treated wastewater. Microbial Ecology62: 973-981
Meron, D., Atias, E., Iasur-Kruh, L., Elifantz, H., Minz, D., Fine, M., and Banin, E. 2011. The impact of reduced pH on the microbial community of the coral Acropora eurystoma. ISME Journal5: 51-60
Elifantz, H., A.L. N’Guessan, P.J. Mouser, K. H. Williams, M.J. Willkins, C. Risso, D.E. Holmes, P.E. Long, and D.R. Lovley. 2010.Expression of acetate permease-like (apl) genes in subsurface communities of Geobacter species under fluctuating acetate concentrations. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 73: 441-449
Callister, S.J., M.J. Wilkins, C.D. Nicora, K.H. Williams, J.F. Banfield, N.C. VerBerkmoes, R.L. Hettich, A.L. N'Guessan, P.J. Mouser, H. Elifantz, R.D. Smith, D.R. Lovley, M.S. Lipton, and P.E. Long. 2010. Analysis of biostimulated microbial communities from two field experiments reveals temporal and spatial differences in proteome profiles. Environmental Science and Technology 44: 8897-8903
N’Guessan, A. L., H. Elifantz, K.P. Nevin, P.J. Mouser, B. Methe, T.L. Woodward, K. Manley, K.H. Williams, M.J. Wilkins, J.T. Larsen, P.E. Long, and D.R. Lovley. 2010. Molecular analysis of phosphate limitation in Geobacteraceae during the bioremediation of a uranium-contaminated aquifer.ISME Journal 4: 253-266
Mouser, P.J., A.L. N’Guessan, H. Elifantz, D.E. Holmes, K.H. Williams, M.J. Wilkins, P.E. Long, and D.R. Lovley. 2009. Impact of heterogeneous ammonium availability on bacterial community structure and the expression of nitrogen fixation and ammonium transporter genes during in situ bioremediation of uranium-contaminated groundwater. Environmental Science and Technology 43: 4386-4392
Wilkins, M.J., N.C. VerBerkmoes, K.H. Williams, S.J. Callister, P.J. Mouser, H. Elifantz, A.L. N'Guessan, B.C. Thomas, C.D. Nicora, M.B. Shah, P. Abraham, M.S. Lipton, D.R. Lovley, R.L. Hettich, P.E. Long, and J.F. Banfield. 2009. Proteogenomic monitoring of Geobacter physiology during stimulated uranium bioremediation.Applied and Environmental Microbiology 75: 6591-6599
Risso, C., B.A. Methé, H. Elifantz, D.E. Holmes, and D.R. Lovley.2008. Highly conserved genes in Geobacter species with expression patterns indicative of acetate limitation. Microbiology154:2589-2599.
Elifantz, H., L.A., Waidner, M.T., Cottrell, and D.L. Kirchman. 2008. Diversity and abundance of glycosyl hyrolases family 5 genes in the Sargasso Sea.FEMS Microbiology Ecology 63: 316-327
Elifantz, H., A.I. Dittel, M.T. Cottrell, and D.L. Kirchman. 2007. Dissolved organic matter assimilation by heterotrophic bacterial groups in the western Arctic Ocean. Aquatic Microbial Ecology 50:39-49
Kirchman, D.L., H. Elifantz, A.I.Dittel, R.R. Malmstrom, and M.T. Cottrell, 2007. Standing stocks and activity of archaea and bacteria in the Western Arctic Ocean.Limnology and Oceanography 52: 495-507
Malmstrom, R.R., M.T. Cottrell, H. Elifantz, and D.L. Kirchman.2005. Biomass production and assimilation of high and low molecular weight DOM by SAR11 bacteria in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 71: 2979-2986.
Elifantz, H., R.R. Malmstrom, M.T. Cottrell, and D.L. Kirchman. 2005. Assimilation of polysaccharides and glucose by major bacterial groups in the Delaware Estuary. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 71: 7799-7805.
Elifantz, H., and E. Tel-Or. 2002. Heavy metal biosorption by plant biomass of the macrophyte Ludwigia stolonifera. Water Air and Soil Pollution 141:207-218.
Invited Seminars
Elifantz, H. 2008. Not everything grows on a plate – studying microbial communities in natural environments. Invited Seminar. Ben-Gurion University, Sede Boker.
Elifantz, H. 2008. The function of microbial communities in the natural environment.Ben-GurionUniversity, Sede Boker.
Elifantz, H. 2008. Not a 'black box' anymore - Unraveling the function of microbial communities in the environment. Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences. The HebrewUniversity of Jerusalem.
Elifantz H. and D.L. Kirchman. 2005. Structure and function of microbial communities in the marine environment. Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, Banyuls sur Mer, France.
Elifantz, H. and D. L. Kirchman. 2005. The contribution of major bacterial groups to dissolved organic matter assimilation in oceanic environments. Department of Civil Engineering, Auburn UniveristyAlabama, USA.
Presentations
Elifantz, H. M. Rom, D. Minz, and C. Dosoretz.2012. Biofilm formation and microbial community composition on pipes transporting secondary treated wastewater. Microbial Ecology Sandwich Club, July, Volcani Center, Israel (Talk)
Elifantz, H., Y. Segal-Ruder, Y. Cohen, and D. Minz. 2010. Dynamics of the microbial community forming the initial biofilm in pipes transporting treated wastewater. Israeli Society of Microbiology meeting. June, Bar-Ilan, Israel (Poster).
Elifantz, H.,Y. Cohen, and D. Minz. 2009. Microbial community composition of a biofilm developed in water pipes in a desalination plant in Israel. FEMS 2009 3rd Congress of European Microbiologists. June-July, Gothenburg, Sweden (Poster).
Elifantz, H., Y. Cohen, and D. Minz. 2009. Microbial community composition of a biofilm developed in water pipes in the Palmachim desalination plant. The Israeli Society of Ecology and Environmental Science meeting. May, Rehovot, Israel (Talk).
Elifantz, H., A. L. N’Guessan, P. J. Mouser, K. Williams, M. Willkins, J. E. Ward, P. Long, and D. Lovley. 2008.Quantifying gene transcripts to diagnose acetate limitation in Geobacter species during in situ bioremediation of uranium-contaminated groundwater. American Society of Microbiology, General meeting, June, Boston, USA (Poster).
Elifantz, H., A. L. N’Guessan, P. J. Mouser, K. Williams, M. Willkins, J. E. Ward, P. Long, and D. Lovley. 2008. Acetate limitation inGeobacter species during in situ bioremediation of uranium-contaminated groundwater. Israeli Society of Microbiology meeting. April, Rehovot, Israel. (Talk)
Elifantz, H., M.T. Cottrell, and D.L. Kirchman. 2005. Assimilation of LMW and HMW DOM by major bacterial and archaeal groups in the western Arctic Ocean. ASLO summer meeting, June, Santiagode Compstela, Spain. (Talk)
Kirchman, D.L., M.T. Cottrell, H. Elifantz, and R.R. Malmstrom. 2005. Linking bacterial community structure and DOM fluxes in aquatic ecosystems. ASLO summer meeting, June, Santiagode Compstela, Spain. (Talk)
Elifantz, H., R.R. Malmstrom, M.T. Cottrell, and D.L. Kirchman. 2004. Uptake of extracellular polymeric substances and glucose by natural bacterial assemblages in the Delaware Estuary. ASLO summer meeting, June, Savannah, Georgia, USA. (Talk)
Elifantz, H., and E. Tel-Or. 2002. Heavy metals accumulation by the macrophytes Ludwigia stolonifera. Poster presentation. 34th Mid-Atlantic Industrial and Hazardous Waste Conference. Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA. (Poster)
Professional activities
-Peer reviewed papers for Aquatic Microbial Ecology.
-Peer reviewed papers for FEMS Microbiology Ecology.
-Peer reviewed papers for Microbial Ecology.
-Member of the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (2003-2005).
-Member of the American Society of Microbiology (2008).
-Member of the Israeli Society of Microbiology (2008-2010).
-Member of the Israeli Society of Ecology and Environmental Sciences (2009)
Languages
Hebrew – excellent reading, writing, speaking, and understanding.
English – excellent reading, understanding. Very good writing and speaking.
Awards received
-Student travel award – American Society of Limnology and Oceanography – 2003
-Fulbright fellowship – 2002-2004.
-M.Sc scholarship, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem – 2000-2001
-Excellence scholarship from Tel-HaiAcademicCollege – 1998.
-The Jewish Agency scholarship for students learning at the north of Israel colleges – 1997-1999.