Research

Research Areas

We focus broadly on Geomicrobiology, Microbial Biogeochemistry, and Environmental Biogeochemistry in subsurface and soil environments. We are interested in:

• Microbially mediated biogeochemical processes, particularly carbon–iron–sulfur cycling, that govern greenhouse gas dynamics and the fate, mobility, and bioavailability of organic and inorganic compounds in aquatic and terrestrial environments

• Microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of natural and engineered extreme environments, including permafrost, wetlands, mine tailings, acid mine drainage, smelter sites, and deep geological repositories for radioactive waste

• Biogeochemical strategies and technologies for contaminant immobilization and remediation, as well as soil-based carbon sequestration, including enhanced rock weathering and microbe–mineral interactions

Conceptual Model and Analytical Workflow

A key conceptual model of our study is microbe to mineral interactions and the geological and environmental implications of these interactions in subsurface environments. 

We conduct both field and laboratory experiments and assess those results together with biogeochemical modeling. We often isolate anaerobic bacteria from subsurface environments and use them as a model species for better understanding subsurface biogeochemical reactions.  For mineralogical analysis, we use X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and other X-ray techniques. For microbial analysis, we use 16S rDNA sequencing, q-PCR, epifluorescent microscope (EP), and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM).

Current Research Projects