At the Laboratory for Microbial and Environmental Genomics, we examine how microorganisms respond to ecosystem change, especially anthropogenic change. Two primary areas of research are 1) assessing how microbes respond to plastic pollution in marine environments and 2) how microbes respond to sewage and nutrient pollution in marine environments. These pervasive contaminants adversely impact coastal ecosystems through habitat loss and the disruption of marine food webs. Research outcomes include habitat remediation and conservation. We also explore links between ocean and human health by investigating the ecology and virulence of marine microbes that are opportunistic human pathogens. Click on the publications tab to learn more about our research, and follow us on Twitter to receive updates about these projects.
