In our lab, we investigate topics in microbial ecology that link fundamental ecology of natural environmental and host-associated ecosystems with applied research in water quality, bioenergy and animal health. Our primary research focuses are algal-microbial interactions and drivers of microbial community dynamics in aquatic ecosystems. We incorporate perspectives and technical approaches from diverse fields to address these research focuses. Check out the project descriptions below to learn more!
Microbial Ecology of Natural Waters
Microalgae are single-celled photosynthetic organisms that are essential for life on Earth. The organic carbon that they fix from CO2 supports entire ecosystems, while the relationships between algae and other microbes – i.e. heterotrophic bacteria, non-photosynthetic microeukaryotes and zooplankton predators – act as the engines that power aquatic nutrient cycling and energy flow through food webs. Algae and their associated microbes are therefore central to productivity and health of all aquatic ecosystems, but particularly in the Great Lakes and other environments regularly impacted by harmful algal blooms. Yet despite the critical nature of this research area, many questions about fundamental processes in microbial ecology still need to be refined or have yet to be addressed.
Using a diverse methodological toolkit including genomics, metatranscriptomics and metabolomics approaches, we aim to (1) resolve microbial community processes, dynamics and drivers in algal-dominated ecosystems, and to (2) dissect the mechanisms and outcomes of specific microbial interactions with microalgae, focusing on the common bloom-forming cyanobacteria and diatoms.
Selected publications:
Using a diverse methodological toolkit including genomics, metatranscriptomics and metabolomics approaches, we aim to (1) resolve microbial community processes, dynamics and drivers in algal-dominated ecosystems, and to (2) dissect the mechanisms and outcomes of specific microbial interactions with microalgae, focusing on the common bloom-forming cyanobacteria and diatoms.
Selected publications:
- Ward CS, Yung C-M, Davis KM, Blinebry SK, Williams TC, Johnson ZI, Hunt DE. (2017) Annual community patterns are driven by seasonal switching between closely related marine bacteria. ISMEJ 11, 1412-1422. doi:10.1038/ismej.2017.4
- Yung C-M, Ward CS, Davis KM, Johnson ZI, Hunt DE. (2016) Insensitivity of diverse and temporally variable particle-associated microbial communities to bulk seawater environmental parameters. Appl Environ Microbiol. 82(11):3431–3437. doi:10.1128/AEM.00395-16
- Duan Y, Xie N, Song Z, Ward CS, Yung C-M, Hunt DE, Johnson ZI, Wang G. (2018) High-resolution time-series reveal distinct seasonal patterns of planktonic fungi at a temperate coastal ocean site (Beaufort, North Carolina USA). Appl Environ Microbiol. 84(21). doi:10.1128/AEM.00967-18
Biofuel Algae ponds and their Microbiomes
Just as in natural ecosystems, engineered ecosystems such as microalgal cultivation ponds are governed by ecological processes. By understanding how algae interact with other microbes in their environment and harnessing the universal ecological processes that structure the algal microbiome, we aim to improve productivity and stability of algal cultivation.
Our research falls into three main topics: (1) community assembly of the algal microbiome, (2) probiotic strains to boost algal performance, and (3) algal pests, particularly chytrids.
Selected publications:
Our research falls into three main topics: (1) community assembly of the algal microbiome, (2) probiotic strains to boost algal performance, and (3) algal pests, particularly chytrids.
Selected publications:
- Fisher CL*, Ward CS*, Kimbrel JA, Lane P, Stuart RK, Mayali X, Lane TW. (2019) Bacterial communities protect the alga Microchloropsis salina from grazing by the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis. Algal Research. 40:101500. doi:10.1016/j.algal.2019.101500
- Kimbrel JA, Samo TJ, Ward CS, Nilson DJ, Thelen MP, Siccardi A, Zimba P, Lane TW, Mayali X. (2019) Host selection and stochastic effects influence bacterial community assembly on the microalgal phycosphere. Algal Research. 40:101489. doi:10:1016/j.algal.2019.101489
Marine Fungi & other UnderStudied Microbes
Fungi play important roles in nutrient cycling, phytoplankton dynamics and food webs in aquatic ecosystems. Yet their ecology has been largely understudied, leaving their diversity, functional capacities and in situ activities all poorly constrained. We are interested in the diversity and roles of aquatic fungi in both natural and engineered systems.
Selected publications:
Selected publications:
- Duan Y, Xie N, Song Z, Ward CS, Yung C-M, Hunt DE, Johnson ZI, Wang G. (2018) High-resolution time-series reveal distinct seasonal patterns of planktonic fungi at a temperate coastal ocean site (Beaufort, North Carolina USA). Appl Environ Microbiol. 84(21). doi:10.1128/AEM.00967-18