Dr. Steven Hallam
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Microbial Communities Associated with Aquatic, Terrestrial and Metazoan Ecosystems
Beyond the limits of our senses exists an infinitely diverse microbial world. This microcosm extends into virtually every imaginable habitat (including our own bodies), thrives under powerful extremes, and helps create and sustain essential biogeochemical cycles. Because the vast majority of microorganisms resist laboratory cultivation, our views on the extent and meaning of microbial diversity have long been impaired. A modern scientific synthesis called environmental genomics, also known as metagenomics, is now unfolding with great potential to reveal the genetic and phenotypic plasticity of naturally occurring microbial communities as they relate to Earth Systems, environmental health and human disease.
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