Microbial Evolutionary Ecology
This cross-campus theme addresses how microbes adapt at microevolutionary time scales to their physical and biotic environment, the genomic changes that underpin these changes, and the consequences this has for health and disease, biotechnology and ecosystem function.
Our research draws on expertise from the Environment and Sustainability Institute and Living Systems Institute, and integrates mathematical modeling, with experiments ranging from single cells to entire communities.
Key research areas include:
- Using single cell biology to address the evolution of antibiotic resistance
- Understanding the natural role of CRISPR-Cas systems in bacteria
- Applying evolutionary ecology theory to biogas production and bioremediation
- The evolution of microbial biocontrol agents