Microbes catalyse the majority of biogeochemical transformations of elements on Earth. They also encompass the vast majority of our planet's genetic potential. My lab focuses on characterising this genetic potential in bacteria. Particularly we are interested in how bacteria acquire the resources they need to grow and to stave off predation by viruses?

Currently we are working on two separate themes. First, how marine phototrophs simultaneously acquire and protect themselves from the Sun's energy? Especially in environments that are chronically limited by both macro- and micronutrients.

Second, we are interested in the diversity of mechanisms by which bacteria can evade predation by viruses (bacteriophages).

In these pursuits, we use a variety of techniques including reverse genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry, biophysics and omics type technologies.

Member, Royal Society of Biology
Member, Society for Applied Microbiology
Member, Microbiology Society
Member, Challenger Society for Marine Sciences