Marine microbes and climate change

Our lab studies the highly diverse microbial community living in the ocean. We are interested in quantifying how global human-induced environmental changes affect microbial diversity and ecosystem functions. Marine microorganisms are also the engines that drive the cycles of carbon, nutrients, and oxygen in the ocean. Therefore, we are keen on learning how shifts in microbial communities will affect CO2 uptake or whether the ocean will lose oxygen. We believe that microbes are important for understanding and moderating the global impact of human activities.

The lab is very interdisciplinary, and we integrate culture experiments, genomics and other ‘omics, big data analysis, modeling, etc.

We are deeply involved in Bio-GO-SHIP, so lab members frequently join ocean-going research expeditions.

The lab (and UC Irvine) is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for research and education. All lab members must be willing to educate themselves about what this means in the context of their scientific and professional careers.