Brief Synopsis of Research and Educational Activities
My speciality is the marine microbial ecology and geomicrobiology of hydrothermal vent systems. I also maintain interests in terrestrial and aquatic microbial ecology, microbe-macrobe symbiotic relationships, bioremediation and microbial cycles that impact global climate change. My focus in recent years has been the study of microbial mats in and around hydrothermal vents, this includes the biodiversity and biogeography of iron- and sulfur-oxidizers from several vent sites across the Pacific Ocean. We were also the first to describe multiple microbial mat communities associated with active submarine volcanoes along the Mariana Arc region. Beyond establishing the basic microbial census survey, we also identified that this area was a microbial hotspot with unusually high biodiversity and our discoveries were used to support the federal government's formation of the Volcanic Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine Sanctuary.
My lab's latest investigations have shown that in high-iron environments, such as diffuse hydrothermal vents, the Zetaproteobacteria are important members of the microbial mat community, driving its structure and functioning as ecosystem engineers. We are presently monitoring the ecological changes associated with these microbial communities that have occurred after a major eruptive event using molecular microbial techniques including functional genomics coupled with fine-scale sampling. Genome-resolved metagenomics allows for the specific binning of microbial genomes based on genomic signatures present in composite metagenome assemblies (with Heather Fullerton, College of Charleston). We have also use SSU rRNA high-throughput amplicon sequencing in coordination with geochemical analysis to show the functional role of the lithotrophically-driven microbial mat communities associated with iron- and sulfur-rich hydrothermal venting.
My educational activities include facilitating opportunities for both undergraduates and Master's level graduate students. I am also involved with educational outreach at both the elementary and secondary levels. Myself and my students have recently participated in both science fair and culture camp activities with high school and grade school students in Hydaburg, Alaska (with Wendy Todd, Univ of Alaska Southeast). My teaching here at Western focuses in the areas of molecular evolution, microbiology, and microbial ecology.
