Funded by the Simons Foundation, this project aims to study the microbial response to oscillations in salt marsh environments. This work is built on the previous foundational research at PIE LTER that suggests that hydrologic controls on marsh microbial communities may play a more important role than previously recognized. This project is in collaboration with scientists from MIT, MBL, and beyond. 

As part of the NSF-funded TIDE project (2002-2019), we have added nitrogen to Plum Island Sound, MA to see how the salt marsh responds. Now, we are building on that work in our most recent project "Not all Nitrogen!" This project takes place at PIE LTER and the North Inlet-Winyah Bay NERR. It is in collaboration with scientists from MBL and University of South Carolina.

The interactions among above- and below-ground plant traits, plant species and genotypic diversity, and soil microbes are critically important for both plant success and resulting ecosystem services.

Microbes rule the world (!), but we know precious little about how these microbes function in coastal wetlands. By reconstructing genomes from metagenomic data, we can learn about the interconnected genetic pathways that regulate their function.

Salt marsh restoration often aims to restore native marsh vegetation. We are working to understand whether or not that process also restores nitrogen removal, microbial community structure, and ecosystem functioning.

Salt marshes are highly productive ecosystems and their ability to store carbon is one way we can help fight the battle against climate change. We seek to understand what controls the rates of carbon storage in marsh sediments!

Research on the human microbiome has taught us a tremendous amount about animal microbe interactions. Many commercially important marine organisms also have microbiomes. This project sought to understand their role in organism health.