Degree: Ph.D., Cell and Molecular Biology

Advisor: Ying Zhang

Research: My project focused on analyzing the genomes of various members of the bacterial genus Shewanella. This genus lives in deep sea environments as well as in the upper oceans. As a result the genus has adapted to many different temperature ranges making it a unique focus of study with respect to rising ocean temperatures. The genomic analysis of the genus seeks to identify some of the genes that make this genus so adaptable and then analyze the presence of these genes in various ocean samples in an effort to gain some perspective on the adaptability of the bacterial communities and how they might respond to global climate change.