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 preform EBPR research in a lab setting. To do so a sequencing batch reactor is enriched with mixed liquor from a wastewater treatment plant. Anaerobic and aerobic conditions are simulated and phosphorus and carbon sources are provided. Doing so allows for us to select for phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAOs). My goal is to see what clade of PAOs we can grow at different solids retention times and obtain kinetic phosphorus release and uptake data. That data can then be used to determine parameters of interest that can be used to model EBPR.

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. 

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. 

I research biological treatment of wastewater and the implications of innovative, energy-efficient methods of treatment. Specifically, I am interested in low dissolved oxygen treatment and its impact on overall treatment standards, the microbial community, and nitrous oxide emissions. Outside of the lab, I enjoy SCUBA diving, rock climbing, and traveling.