Microbial Evolution & Ecology

Investigation in microbial evolution & ecology represents a large part of the departmental research effort. Research performed includes the study of microbial community diversity in various natural and extreme environments. Recent research has focused on examining the ecological niches of microbes colonizing humans (the microbiome), with an emphasis on the influence of normal flora diversity on specific pathogens and polymicrobial diseases. 
 
A major research effort explores experimental models of evolutionary processes and computer simulation of evolution. Research is also underway in areas focusing on contribution of microbes to global change, microbial enzymology, biofilm architecture and physiology, bacterial cell-to-cell communication, and microbial biotechnology including bioremediation and conversion of biomass to fuels and other industrially important chemicals.