Ongoing Research

We are investigating microorganisms that live under "extreme" acidic and heavy metal-enriched conditions and who can impact the fate of heavy metal contaminants.

Acidic environments due to coal mines present unique environments for studying microbial iron cycling.

How do microorganisms impact subsurface carbon cycling? Do unique microbial populations live in mofettes, due to extreme CO2 concentrations? Do microbes contribute to carbonate mineralization?

Peatlands have long played a key roll in the sequestration of carbon underground. The bacteria of the iron cycle play a critical role in this process.

The importance of the nitrogen cycle is nearly unrivaled in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. We are examining some of the key players.

Biofilms consist of bacteria, algae, and protozoans embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) associated to a surface such as a streambed.