I am interested in the the structure of microbial communities, how they are shaped by a variety of biotic and abiotic factors and how they are related to microbial community functions. My applied research program currently has four distinct areas:

Microbial community in the rhizosphere of invasive plant species. Invasive plant species alter soil chemical and biological properties (for example by introducing new processes (like nitrogen-fixation) or selecting for different microbial species). I am interested in describing the changes in the structure and function of microbial communities in soils under invasive plant species. The ultimate goal of my research is to relate changes in the microbial community to the invasive potential of exotic plants and to the potential for restoration of native plant species after invasive removals.

Interactions between microbial communities and toxic metals. I am interested in the response of soil microbial community to chromium and other toxic metals. I have done extensive research on the interactions between anaerobic (without oxygen) microbial communities and chromium in samples from a long-term (decades) contaminated soil. I currently am studying the ability of certain anaerobic bacteria to reduce nitrate in the presence of chromium (VI).

Microbial diversity in the gut of wild ruminants. I am in the process of starting a research project on the diversity of bacteria in the stomach of deer. This project will be done in collaboration with Dr. Brad Swanson from the Biology department at Central Michigan University. We aim to correlate deer heterozygocity with the diversity of bacteria in their guts. I am looking for graduate students to work on this projects - please visit the prospective students page for information on how to contact me if you would like to work in my lab.

Microbial diversity in the pitchers of the Northern pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea. I am investigating the environmental/biological drivers that determine the composition and function of the microbial community within pitchers of the pitcher plant. I am working in collaboration with Dr. Robert Hamilton IV, from Kent State University who is an internationall expert on the insect community of pitcher plants.

Isolating previously uncultured bacteria. Recent advances in molecular biology have uncovered an incredible diversity of microorganisms in the environment, yet we have only cultured a very small percentage of them. I am interested in developing new methods for the isolation of previously uncultured bacteria. Students working on this project will help me not only during the isolation process but also in the process of describing newly found species of bacteria. Interested undergraduate students, please visit the prospective students for information on how to contact me if you would like to work in my lab.