Our research integrates geomicrobiology, molecular biology, and geochemistry to determine how microorganisms influence marine geochemical cycles. The goal is to link uncultivated microorganisms to their geochemical functions and explore how these communities react to changing environmental conditions. Subseafloor ecosystems likely contain the majority of Earth’s prokaryotic biomass, but their geochemical effects are largely untested. We focus on the following questions: What are the carbon sources and electron acceptors/donors for uncultured microbial groups? Do these organisms use previously undocumented or recalcitrant energy and carbon sources? Are these organisms living at life’s energetic limits? We use single-cell technologies to link an organism’s function with its genetic identity without having to grow it in pure culture. The focus is on organiccarbon degradation, production or consumption of greenhouse gases, metal cycling, and novel microbial energy sources. And study sites include deep-sea hydrocarbon seeps and hydrothermal vents, as well as nearshore sites.

More information, see lab page.