Microbial and Biome Sciences

The Microbial and Biome Sciences Group (B-IOME) aims to enable energy, environmental, and economic security through the research and development of natural and engineered biological systems. B-IOME scientists explore the use of microbes (algae and other microscopic organisms) in biomanufacturing processes – aiming to develop robust platforms for the production of chemicals and polymers through the use of established capabilities in non-model microbe development, synthetic biology, and high-throughput screening. Our researchers also study the effects of microbes on plant productivity, plant resilience, and nutrient cycling (e.g., carbon and nitrogen), by harnessing 'omics, microbial ecology, and laboratory ecosystems. Finally, B-IOME scientists are also using computational and protein engineering capabilities to enable resource recovery and restoration, in particular for recovering critical minerals, degrading plastic waste, and understanding harmful algal blooms.