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The Microbial Ecophysiology Lab focuses on understanding the regulation of cellular processes in methanogenic archaea and their actual role in free-living environments and host-associated microbiomes. Why? Because currently archaea diversity is analyzed principally at the (meta)-genomic level, providing valuable information on their metabolic and ecological potential; however, a comprehensive understanding of their physiology and regulation is necessary.

Our fantastic team uses omics analysis combined with detailed functional characterization of proteins, cofactors, and metabolites to further our understanding of the regulation of cellular processes and ultrastructure in archaea, as well as their ability to interact with other organisms and survive under stress conditions.

Through this comprehensive approach, our team works on topics with ecological, biomedical, biotechnological and astrobiological applications (e.g., production of unusual proteins and metabolites, drug resistance and detoxification, and mitigation of global warming through carbon sequestration), as well as strategies of microbial isolation, Metabolic Pathway Engineering, Metabolic Modeling and Protein Directed Evolution.

Have you noticed that some labs generate a lot of waste that is not recyclable? Our goal is to run an eco-friendly lab, where all members use strategies to reduce waste, reuse materials and limit the use of plastics, dyes and non-recyclable material (when possible). This strategy will help us reduce costs and have less negative impact on the environment.

Interested in joining the lab or collaborating with us? Please contact us!

We do NOT have direct admission to our graduate programs. All prospective students must apply by following this admissions process.

Read and cite our research! See our manuscripts on Google Scholar and ResearchGate. 

Lab members (Summer 2024)

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We are people who do scientific research, and we actively work to include diverse perspectives in our team.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Connect With Us

Upcoming MCB Events

  1. Aug 8 MCB Dissertation Defense: Nidhi Vijayan 2:00pm
  2. Aug 19 New PhD and MS Grad Student Orientation 8:30am
  3. Aug 22 MCB Department Retreat 10:00am
  4. Aug 27 MCB Seminar Series: Dr. Matthew Anderson 3:30pm
  5. Aug 29 MCB PSM Student Orientation 5:00pm
All Events »

Contact

Phone: (860) 486-8960
geo_santiagom@uconn.edu
Address: 91 N. Eagleville Rd
Unit 3125
Storrs, CT 06269-3125
More: Office: TLS 286