• 1. Alexandrium population biology in the Gulf of Maine

• Abstract

• 2. Hydrodynamic forcing of Alexandrium population biology

• Abstract
• Participants

• 3. Human pathogens and coastal ocean processes

• Abstract
• Participants

• 4. Microecology and evolution of two marine pathogens

• Abstract
• Participants

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Microecology and evolution of two marine pathogens: Participants

Martin Polz

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
48-421, Cambridge, MA 02139
mpolz@mit.edu
Polz Lab Web site

Education:
Ph.D. 1997, Harvard University

Research Interests:
Identification of controlling factors of microbial community structure and population dynamics with special emphasis on bacteria influencing the speciation and transport of metals. Knowledge of diversity and dynamics of bacterial populations is crucial to the ultimate predictability of the fate of most environmental contaminants. This is especially true for bioremediation and natural attenuation applications where the success of in-situ degradation depends on population size and the continuous presence of bacterial strains with desirable metabolic capabilities. This necessitates the development of techniques that allow the assessment of microbial populations as they occur in the environment. Thus, the general approach used in my laboratory combines modern molecular biological methods with traditional pure-culture techniques as well as qualitative modeling to identify key factors guiding the activity of microorganisms in the environment. Ultimately, this research should lead to an ability to better predict and control processes involving microorganisms, ranging from successful bioremediation to avoidance of pathogen outbreaks in the environment.

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Dr. Luisa Marcellino

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
48-421, Cambridge, MA 02139
luisam@mit.edu

Education:
Ph.D in Molecular Biology/Genetics, 1998, University of Lisbon, Portugal Thesis work done at the Center for Environmental Health Sciences, MIT

Current Project:
Assessing genomic diversity of bacteria of the genus Vibrio in some coastal environments in New England. One of the main goals of the project is to detect the presence of pathogenic Vibrios, such as V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus which are responsible for a significant number of seafood-related ilnesses and deaths. DNA microarray technology is used in this project to set up a standardized platform of DNA probes that are specific for Vibrios and can be used in any marine environment.

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Dr. Benjamin Kirkup

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Jim Lerzcak