Our research focuses on the ecology and evolution of microorganisms living in high temperature environments, particularly terrestrial hot springs. We are interested in how environmental conditions (chemistry, pH, available nutrients) and evolutionary history influence the composition and function of microbial communities in these extreme environments, with special attention to the contribution of these microorganisms to the Carbon and Nitrogen biogeochemical cycles.
Our work is at the exciting intersection of many disciplines including ecology, evolution, genomics, geobiology and geochemistry. We have ongoing research projects in Yellowstone National Park, California, Nevada and China, and have been working closely with researchers at the University of Washington, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Montana State University, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona, University and UC Davis. Research projects in the lab are amenable to both undergraduate and graduate students.
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Contact
Email: jdelator@sfsu.edu
Phone: (415) 338-7043