Research projects

Structure-function relationships of unique phosphatases

Investigating how secondary structure affects enzyme activity. Techniques include recombinant protein production and purification, high throughput enzyme assays, site directed mutagenesis, synthetic biology and structural biology.

Genetic basis of Flavobacterium rhizosphere competence

Combining bacterial genetics, comparative multi-omics, plant growth systems to learn how Flavobacterium are recruited to the plant microbiome and define their ecological role. 

Soil polysaccharide turnover

Understanding the turnover of plant polysaccharides in soil and how this underpins plant-bacteria interactions. 

We are using members of the Bacteroidota at the model organicisms

Phospholipid cycling at the root-soil interface

Phospholipids are common to all cellular life. and play important structural and developmental roles. They also regulate host-microbe interactions. We are studying how and plant bacteria degraded phospholipids and the ecological consequences this has for plant health. 

Soil microbiome responses to global change

Field station (HIgh Bradefield)