Macroalgal Microbiomes

Marine algae harbor abundant microbial communities, yet we know little about the diversity, community structure, and functional role of the algal microbiome. My research has shown that the microbiome of kelp is shaped by both geographic location and kelp tissue age. Visualizing the kelp microbiome at the micron-scale revealed that the kelp microbiome is spatially structured, with microbes residing close to and within kelp tissues. To understand the functional role of the kelp microbiome, I used metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatics to assemble the genomes of key bacterial symbionts living on kelp. Kelp-associated bacterial symbionts had genes for nitrate reduction to ammonium, vitamin B12 synthesis, and DOC assimilation.

My lab will employ lab experiments and ‘omics methods to continue to investigate how microbial diversity influences algal physiology and nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems. In particular, we are excited to explore how the microbiome of early life history stages of kelp influences host health in aquaculture and kelp forest restoration.