Current Lab Members

​​I use metagenomics and metatranscriptomics tools to study microbial communities in aquatic environments. In my spare time, I like cooking and spending time with my kids. 

I focus on phytoplankton ecology in both fresh and marine systems. Currently at UW – Madison, I research cyanobacteria or ‘blue-green’ harmful algal blooms diversity/development and their interactions with the N-cycle and cyanotoxin productions. For funsies, I like to read, play video games, and chase my cat, Nugget, around my apartment. 

Co-advised with Profs Jake Vander Zanden (Integrative Biology) and Nicole Perna (Genetics)

I am investigating the role of lake microbes in the Mercury cycle, specifically how they convert elemental mercury to its organic form, methylmercury (MeHg). MeHg is bioaccumulative and toxic to humans, ingested through eating contaminated fish, which sadly has caused mass deaths in communities that rely on fish to survive. The heart of my research is how the geochemical environment of lakes influences the activity of methylators. My hobbies include running, playing instruments, kayaking, and skiing

I am researching microbial community composition of freshwater systems during turnover and ice cover events. Specifically, I am interested in how bacterial communities respond to changes in winter ice and snow cover. I am also studying the role of microbes in the decomposition of alternative road deicers. When I’m not in the lab or in field, you can find me throwing frisbees, sailing, bouldering, or rolling polyhedral dice.