I am a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Julie Huber, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, working on the diversity and the metabolic potential of microbial life across different complex biological systems. These include sponge and vent tubeworm symbioses, as well as free-living microorganisms within hydrothermal vent fluids. I am particularly interested to answer questions related to the evolutionary and environmental settings governing microbial community structure, gene flow and adaptation in extreme habitats. The hydrothermal systems from the Mid Cayman Rise are unique in term of pressure, temperature, and fluid chemical composition, and therfore are expected to lead to extraordinary evolutionary bacterial and archaeal novelty. We aim to further investigate the diversity and function of these taxa using a combination of classical enrichment cultures, 16s rRNA tag sequencing, meta transcriptomics, and stable isotope tracing. Participating to this cruise and to collaborative investigations that aim to extend the known limits to life on Earth is very exciting!
Cruises:
