The research in this laboratory focuses on the enzymology, pathways and physiology of microorganisms that degrade environmental contaminants. The organisms we study are primarily hydrocarbon-oxidizing strains that degrade compounds such as trichloroethylene (TCE), methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and 1,4-dioxane (14D). The approaches used in this laboratory range from the isolation and characterization of novel strains through to genomic and proteomic analyses of individual strains and microbial communities. Many of these approaches make use of stable isotopes. Our goal is to understand the mechanisms utilized by naturally occurring microorganisms to degrade contaminants and to use this information to help develop appropriate treatment strategies that maximize the activities of these microorganisms in contaminated environments.

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