I am interested in the evolution and adaptations of microorganisms at low temperatures. This work is performed in the laboratory of Dr. Jody Deming in the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington in Seattle. I am also a student in the Astrobiology Program.

Lateral gene transfer at subzero temperatures: During the Circumpolar Flaw Lead Systems Study I measured the abundances of various biological and physical parameters that might influence the frequency of lateral gene transfer in newly formed sea ice. I am currently performing experiments on a model psychrophile, Colwellia psychrerythraea strain 34H, with the goal of determining its potential for natural transformation under environmentally relevant conditions.

Microbial persistence over an Arctic winter season: I investigated the abundances of microorganisms, particles, and particulate extracellular polymeric substances (pEPS) in Arctic winter sea ice during the Canadian Arctic Shelf Exchange study. Although a significant decline in microorganism abundance was observed in the coldest ice, there was also significant production of pEPS in all of the ice measured, indicating microbial adaptation to this extremely cold and salty environment. The diversity of Bacterial and Archaeal communities in winter sea ice were also examined and a variety of microorganisms from multiple environments were found to persist through the season, though no changes were observed in the structure of either community.