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Microbial systems ecology
Microbial systems ecology
Most natural environments, such as the gut, soil and water, contain rich communities of microbes. Inspired by novel insights into ecological theory, we are developing new experimental and measurement approaches to better understand and manipulate the ecological properties of microbial communities, as well as dissect the mechanisms underlying ecological phenomena. We are particularly interested in developing high-throughput microdroplet and chemostat-based techniques.
We have strong links with the Swiss NCCR Microbiomes research consortium, particularly with Sara Mitri (Lausanne).
Highlighted publications
Highlighted publications
Microbes as active matter
Microbes as active matter
Bacteria typically live as dense collectives called biofilms. In this strand of research, we aim to understand how cell motility in these highly compact communities leads to collective behaviours and the ecological consequences of these emergent phenomena. Our approach is multi-disciplinary, typically involving a combination of individual-based modelling, fluid dynamical equations and experiments with the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Collaborators include Mack Durham (Sheffield), Kevin Foster (Oxford) and Amin Doostmohammadi (Copenhagen).
Highlighted publications
Highlighted publications
Quantitative image analysis
Quantitative image analysis
Many research groups generate large quantities of imaging data, but struggle to extract useful data from these datasets. We collaborate with a number of other researchers to development analysis tools, enabling automated quantification of useful information from their images. Tool development also supports the experimental components of our other research strands.
We have highly successful partnerships with the groups of Ravinash Krishna-Kumar (Imperial), Simon Foster (Sheffield) and Jamie Hobbs (Sheffield).
Highlighted publications
Highlighted publications
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