Microbial Ecology and Nutrient Cycling. Dr. Tiehang Wu’s research group incorporates molecular approaches to investigate communities of soil fungi, bacteria, and micro- and mesofauna that are subjected to a variety of land management practices in the coastal plain region. The goal of these efforts is to decipher community interactions at the micro-level and understand the changing roles of microorganisms in nutrient cycling, environmental quality and the sustainability of coastal plain ecosystems under various climate change scenarios.

Research Plan for REU Participant: Students will be able to develop projects that assess (1) the role of microorganisms in organic matter decomposition, (2) microbial biodiversity, growth rates, biomass and production in various ecosystems and environmental conditions, and (3) the roles of microorganisms in wastewater treatment.

Visit Dr. Wu's website for more information