Principal Investigator

Boris started the lab in 2004. The current focus of his research is on plant-associated and atmospheric microbes and microbiomes using genetic, genomic, and metagenomic approaches. In the past, Boris also researched plant genetics and molecular plant-microbe interactions. His goal is to translate basic science into applied projects to improve plant and environmental health. 

Graduate student

Sehgeet joined the lab in Spring 2024, pursuing a PhD through the GBCB program with a focus on genomics-based and metagenomics-based bacterial pathogen identification.

Graduate student

Mitchell joined the lab in Spring 2025, pursuing a PhD through the GBCB program with a focus on viral metagenomics.

Graduate student

Abbi joined the Vinatzer and Liao labs in Fall 2025, pursuing a PhD through the GBCB program with a focus on microbial ecology using metagenomic approaches.

Graduate student

Jiayu is a member of Dr. Yuan Zeng's lab at the Southern Piedmont AREC and is co-advised by Dr. Vinatzer.