DISTRIBUTION OF FUNCTIONS WITHIN MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES
The staggering number and vast diversity of microbial cells in any environment make comprehensive genomic screening efforts challenging. We develop and apply single cell genomics tools to gain insights into how various functions and genetic properties are distributed within environmental microbial communities.
SPATIAL STRUCTURING OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES
Metabolic and genetic properties determining microbial aggregation and biofilm formation are poorly understood due to the microscopic scale as well as the sheer number of interacting cells. We develop and apply single cell genomics tools to determine the proximities and genetic properties of individual cells at a near-exhaustive throughput.
NEW TOOLS FOR SINGLE CELL GENOMICS
Novel insights require novel tools. We apply and explore emulsion-based workflows and DNA barcoding concepts to expand the toolbox available to microbiologists. We are guided by a vision of simple, elegant workflows capable of revealing a near-exhaustive catalogue of microbial functions and interactions within any environment.
