In memoriam Vasile Muntean, PhD, Associate Professor with the Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș–Bolyai University (21 June 1954 - 26 August 2024)

Some people remain in our memory through the good mood they used to convey. Professor Vasile Muntean was born on June 21, 1954, in a family with ancient Transylvanian roots. The child Vasile Muntean attends the general school in his native village – Tirimia, Mureş county (1961-1969) and then the Theoretical High School no. 4 from Târgu-Mureş (1969-1973). For the young Vasile, during the period 1973-1974, military training follows; military rank: second lieutenant. Following his passion for biology, he attended the Faculty of Biology, Geography and Geology, Biology section, at “Babeş-Bolyai” University from Cluj-Napoca (1974-1978). After this cycle, he will obtain the Bachelor’s degree in Biology with the thesis entitled: “Bacteriological and biochemical study of the biodeterioration of stone monuments”. Between 1978-1979 he followed a specialization in “Ecology and environmental protection” and the specialization paper was entitled “Ecological study of the biodegradation of organic films applied for the protection of some materials used in industry and cultural and artistic works”. Between 1987-1988, he followed the post-graduate course “Environmental protection”, with the graduation thesis: “The enzymatic potential of saline lakes in Romania and the need for their protection”. Since 1996, he has a PhD in biology with the doctoral thesis: “Enzymological and microbiological studies on the sludge of saline lakes in Romania” under the coordination of Professor Stefan Kiss, “Babeş-Bolyai” University, Cluj-Napoca.