We are a question-motivated lab that aims to connect modern microbe-mineral interactions with Precambrian biogeochemical cycles to understand the evolution of metabolisms and environments over time.
Our Approach
We use microscale and nanoscale techniques to extract primary information from Precambrian rocks and study modern biogeochemical processes to fully understand what these original minerals signal. We combine this with laboratory experiments to understand processes on a mechanistic level with modern field analogues to probe similar natural and complex environments, and tackle these integrated approaches using a variety of spectroscopic and microscale imaging tools. Check out our lab code of conduct & guide and our facilities below.
Our Research Projects
Our Research Group
Facilities
The Microbe-Mineral lab is a general purpose wet chemical laboratory with equipment for culturing and solution chemistry analyses, including an analytical balance, UV-vis spec, large and mini centrifuges, fridges, freezer, ovens, shaking incubators, pH meters, and a MilliQ water purifier. We also have a -80 freezer, a small autoclave and access to a large departmental autoclave, and a Raman microprobe and double glove box as shown below and on our lab video!
Our lab has two controlled-atmosphere spaces to recreate Precambrian-like environments
Our Raman microscope can image, characterize, and co-register minerals and DNA at a micron-scale
We travel to user facilities, including synchrotrons and transmission electron microscopy facilities, worldwide to analyze the chemistry of Fe and Mn.