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Research Description The evolutionary ecology of bacteria fascinates me. In a nutshell: how do simple processes such as drift, selection, sex, and cooperation both create and change the extraordinarily complex microbial diversity present on Earth? This topic is enormous. In an attempt to simplify, I focus on the intersection of evolution and ecology within a defined, natural bacterial population. As a specific model, we study Vibrio fischeri associated with the Hawai'ian sepiolid squid, Euprymna scolopes. This one-bacteria/one-animal symbiosis gives us the rare opportunity to study a single, non-pathogenic bacterial population in its natural environment. Within this system, my interests include how animal associations affect bacterial symbiont physiology, population ecology, and evolution (and vice versa). Additionally, I am interested in the phenomenon of bacterial bioluminescence within the aquatic bacterial group called the Vibrionaceae (V. fischeri is one member of this group). Complementing my research, I enjoy teaching about bioluminescent organisms and microbiology in general through community outreach, mentoring, and undergraduate education.
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