Microbial Ecology & Biogeochemistry Lab

The Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry Lab at UMD is dedicated to understanding how microbial community composition impacts biogeochemical processing and influences the resilience and resistance ecosystem functions. We apply molecular methods such as sequencing of DNA and RNA to examine microbial communities, and then pair those observations with measures of activity such as enzyme assays, stable isotope tracing, and in situ response. We apply these methods and ask questions in a number of ecosystems, including: agricultural soils, wetlands, and urban soils. We hope to shed light on the role of microbes in mediating key natural process and share our love of microbes with students at all levels of education and the general public.