Marine Microbiology & Aquatic Ecosystems Lab
Investigating marine microbial communities and aquatic ecosystem dynamics to understand ocean health.
Research Mission
The Marine Microbiology & Aquatic Ecosystems Lab investigates the microbial communities and ecological processes that govern aquatic ecosystem function — from ocean biogeochemical cycles and coral reef microbiology to freshwater ecosystem health and harmful algal bloom dynamics. The lab generates the scientific understanding needed to assess aquatic ecosystem health, predict responses to environmental change, and develop evidence-based conservation and management strategies.
Key Research Functions
Microbial Community Analysis
Characterizing marine and aquatic microbial communities using metagenomic and metatranscriptomic approaches — revealing the diversity, function, and dynamics of the microbial ecosystems that drive ocean biogeochemistry.
Ecosystem Health Assessment
Assessing aquatic ecosystem health through integrated biological, chemical, and physical monitoring — identifying early indicators of ecosystem degradation and the drivers of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
eDNA Monitoring
Applying environmental DNA monitoring to detect and track aquatic species — enabling non-invasive biodiversity assessment, invasive species detection, and ecosystem change monitoring at landscape scale.
Research Capabilities
Directorate of Advanced Research & Applied Sciences
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