Overview

Microbial ecology forms an interesting and significant part of the departmental research effort.  Research performed includes the study of microbial community diversity in various natural and extreme environments - from soils to deep sea vents.  Recent research has focused on the ecology of human ecological niches with an emphasis on the influence of normal floral diversity on specific pathogens.  A major research effort explores both experimental models of evolutionary processes as well as computer simulation of evolution. Research is also underway in bacterial enzymology, bioremediation, application of microbes to global change, bioenergy and biotechnology.

   

 Image provided by F. Dazzo, PhD

Overview Faculty