Microbial ecology and geobiological interactions within extreme ecosystems with the aim of underpinning conservation efforts, providing for industrial applications, and to understand the ecosystem services provided by these microbial communities.
Ecology
Extreme ecosystems, particularly high temperature springs have relatively simple microbial communities and well defined physicochemical conditions. These attributes make them ideal systems for investigating microbial ecology. We have undertaken a variety of microbial ecological studies some of which are linked here [1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6]. Matthew also co-convenes the NZ Microbial Ecology Consortium (NZMEC) with Mike Taylor.
Cultivation
A primary laboratory focus is the cultivation and isolation of new extremophilic bacteria and archaea. The characterisation of isolates helps inform ecological studies and can lead to biotechnological outcomes. We are investigating new cultivation based techniques including adapting iChips to geothermal ecosystems and using FACS. Examples of interesting isolates can be found here [1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6] .
Applied Research & Biotechnology
Extremophilic microorganisms have long been considered as ideal targets for applied and biotechnological processes. We have a number of government-funded applied / biotechnology projects underway. We also work with industry and mana whenua.
