Rappé Laboratory for Aquatic Microbial Ecology

Our team is led by Research Professor Dr. Michael Rappé, and we investigate the ecology and evolution of marine microorganisms by combining surveys of natural microbial communities, nucleic acid sequence data, and studies with model systems in controlled settings. We borrow ideas, methods, and technology from various disciplines, including traditional marine microbiology, community ecology, biological oceanography, biogeochemistry, molecular biology, genomics, and informatics.

While our research is generally focused on three systems - planktonic marine environments spanning the near-shore to the open ocean, corals and coral reefs, and the oceanic deep subsurface biosphere - we also pursue other opportunities that allow for us to follow interesting questions regarding the rich microbial diversity inhabiting our planet.