Research Focus
Our lab studies microbial metabolisms and their influence on biogeochemical cycling using an interdisciplinary approach. We apply the knowledge we gain to generate new ways of addressing issues such as the energy crisis, climate change, pollution, human health, sustainability, and the circular economy. This coming summer we plan to focus on a mix of fieldwork with lab-based work on microbial climate solutions.
Skills, Techniques, Methods
- Field sampling at Missouri Wetlands in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation, US Department of Agriculture, and US Fish and Wildlife Service
- Molecular biology
- Computational biology
- Synthetic biology
Research Conditions
Over the course of a typical 10-week summer program, our lab will perform fieldwork (10%), computational work (20%), and lab work mostly using molecular biological and microbiological approaches (80%). Students will be engaged in the activities that excite them the most as the lab’s philosophy is to choose one’s own adventure.
Team Structure and Opportunities
Our lab is a vibrant, international, and diverse community. Each summer we bring in even more students as visitors from other countries as well as from different areas locally. The students work closely with lab manager, Tahina Onina Ranaivoarisoa, and all lab members based on scientific needs. The principal investigator meets students weekly for short meetings and end-of-summer presentations.
