A central focus of our work is the complex relationship between marine bacteria and the viruses that infect them. Rather than being simple predator-prey interactions, these relationships can involve nuanced decision-making within the cell, sometimes leading to coexistence rather than death. Understanding these dynamics provides insight into how microbial communities are structured and may ultimately inform efforts to address challenges, including antibiotic resistance. Our research also examines how marine microbes break down chemically complex and potentially toxic compounds, including materials derived from woody plants and substances related to plastics and industrial waste. By uncovering how microbes tolerate and degrade these compounds, our work characterizes natural processes that limit pollutant buildup in the environment and may point us towards more sustainable strategies for waste management.