Modern biogeochemical cycling

Biogeochemical cycles regulate Earth surface chemistry and climate. Microorganisms play outsized roles in these biogeochemical cycles, but biogeochemical models rarely capture the diversity and complexity of environmental microbial communities. Furthermore, biogeochemical models are typically parameterised based on microbial physiology from lab cultures, whereas the vast majority of environmental microorganisms remain uncultivated—in part due to divergent physiologies. A primary goal of our research is to create new knowledge of microbial (eco)physiology for improved qualitative and quantitative models of biogeochemical cycling. We are also working to bring key members of environmental microbial communities into laboratory culture.