Terry Legg, EBIO PhD student
There is compelling evidence suggesting that microbial community composition responds to changes in environmental conditions. I am interested in how microbial community structure and function responds to seasonal variations in hydrology and environmental chemistry in aquatic environments. In addition, I am interested in how microbial community response patterns vary across spatial and temporal scales. In collaboration with environmental engineers and geochemists, I am currently investigating the role of hydrology and microbial community structure in regulating iron reduction and the release of arsenic in groundwater aquifers in Bangladesh.
Lee Stanish, ENVS PhD student (with Diane McKnight)
My research focuses on understanding the ecology of diatoms and other microorganisms in algal mats from the the highly dynamic, cold, and harsh habitats of ephemeral streams in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. The goals of my research are to 1) understand the biogeography of diatoms and bacteria across the Dry Valleys; 2) understand the physical and chemical drivers of microbial diversity in these ecosystems; and 3) elucidate some of the adaptive mechanisms used by diatoms to survive and thrive in these habitats. I use both field-based and laboratory experiments to study diatom community structure and test physiological and genetic properties of algal mat communities.
Joey Knelman, EBIO MA student
Recent investigations of chronosequences exposed on deglaciation are beginning to examine the dynamics of microbial succession and its influence on biogeochemical processes. Employing molecular and biogeochemical assays, my research seeks to explore how limited vegetation in these sites may alter microbial community succession and function in mediating biogeochemical cycles. Current projects include examining vegetated vs. non-vegetated soils at the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska to gain insights on vegetative influence on microbial community structure especially in terms of N-fixing bacteria. Levels of soil nitrogen fixation are also being assessed. Additional research interests broadly include rhizosphere microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, and the role and succession of mycorrhizal communities among chronosequence vegetation.
Antonio González Peña, CSCI MSc student (with Ken Anderson and Rob Knight)
As new genomic sampling technologies emerge, the need for better
software and algorithms arises to make sense of these data. My
research focuses on finding new approaches to improve the
performance of current algorithms used to compare community structure.
Chris Washenberger, lab manager
Chris is researching the structure and function of soil microbial communities from a Costa Rican tropical rainforest.
Sean P. O'Neill, lab technician
Sean is investigating the change in the structure of organisms involved in the nitrogen cycle in a variety of primary successional environments, including the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, AK; the Puca Glacier, in Peru; and Mt. Baker, WA.
Neva Townsend, baby
Neva is involved primarily in eating, pooping, crying and smiling. She is co-supervised by Alan Townsend.
Professor Shorthair and Paulie Walnuts, pitbull mixes
Professor Shorthair and Paulie Walnuts are involved in stick-chasing, kibble munching and snuggling.
Nick Mosely, EBIO Honors graduate
Nick completed his honors degree in May 2009. His thesis was on the structure and function of lake biofilm microbial communities. He is currently a graduate student at the University of Washington.
Robert Kysela, EBIO MA graduate
Bobby finished his MA degree in May 2009. His thesis was on microbial community composition and the decomposition of dissolved organic matter in Costa Rican tropical rainforest soil. He is currently a VISTA volunteer in Bellingham, WA.
Sarah Sattin, EBIO MA graduate
Sarah finished her MA degree in May 2008. Her thesis was on microbial community succession in the forelands of the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, AK. Her thesis has been accepted for publication. Sarah is currently a researcher at SomaLogic.