Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Dr. Melissa Duhaime is a microbial ecologist whose research integrates the study of environmental microbiomes and microplastics pollution with that of sustainable agriculture and textile systems. At the University of Michigan, she leads projects that integrate laboratory and field research, including campus flax cultivation as a model for regenerative natural fiber systems. Dr. Duhaime is recognized for her work studying both the environmental fate of microplastics and the microbes that degrade them, providing key insight into how these contaminants interact with environmental systems. These insights have the potential to inform the innovative bioprocessing strategies for fiber crops that would leverage microbes to enhance the sustainability of bioregional textile systems. By mentoring student-led projects mapping Michigan’s regenerative agriculture networks and studying the interplay between environmental health and pollutants, she advances knowledge on building resilient agricultural, especially fiber, systems. Dr. Duhaime’s work demonstrates how understanding microbial ecology and environmental contaminants can drive innovation in sustainable agriculture and textiles.
