Marine Microbial Proteomics

Oceanic microbes conduct many functions that are essential for the maintenance of life on Earth, including producing half the oxygen in our atmosphere and forming the base of the marine food web. Just like humans, microbes require micronutrients such as iron, zinc and vitamins for survival. In the oceans, these micronutrients are often extremely scarce. This research program will focus on making novel protein measurements to help us understand (1) when and where in the ocean the availability of micronutrients impacts marine microbial communities and (2) how these organisms cooperate or compete to make the most of these scarce resources.