Our lab has two interconnected research directions: fundamental research and applied research. On the fundamental side, we explore life in extreme and unexplored environments to better understand the origin of life, microbial adaptation and evolution, and the potential for extraterrestrial life. We use multi-omics approaches, bioinformatics tools, streamlined data-mining pipelines, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches to investigate the role of microbes in Earth systems. On the applied side, we leverage this fundamental knowledge to develop sustainable systems and processes for addressing environmental and resource-related challenges. Our research includes developing microbially driven solutions for bioremediation, biomining, and the recovery of critical metals. A major focus of our applied work is the biomining of critical metals from waste streams using microbial- and AI-guided approaches. Some of the fundamental research themes our lab focuses on include: Microbial community structure and function in extreme environments Viral and eukaryotic microbial roles in ecosystem function, resilience, and ecosystem services Astrobiology, origin of life, and microbial life in extraterrestrial analog environments Microbial controls on contaminant fate, transport, and bioremediation Anthropogenic impacts on biogeochemical cycles and Earth system processes Some of the applied research themes our lab focuses on include: Microbial biomining and critical metal recovery from waste streams Bioremediation of emerging contaminants AI-driven models for sustainable engineered environmental systems Microbial and geochemical biomarkers for ecosystem health and contamination risk assessment Microbial and geochemical biomarkers for resource exploration
