[Past Projects]
Dr. Hazel Barton and George Breley
Research Area
We study the interplay between the organic (microbes) and the inorganic (minerals) at the microscopic scale. Through a combination of metabolic and geochemical pathways, bacteria can initiate and influence mineral growth and/or decay. Caves host a diverse range of microbial communities in close association with unusual calcium carbonate structures (speleothems), making these environments important sources of scientific discovery with valuable potential for applications in the realms of engineering living materials and CO2 sequestration. We aim to further our understanding of the principles of cave microbiology and use that knowledge to inform the development of novel biological materials.
Current Project
I am seeking a student interested in helping me investigate the microbiological aspects of cave-derived mineral specimens using a combination of microscopy, microbiology culturing methods and geochemical techniques. Students will take part in the development of engineered living materials and begin to gain a practical understanding of geo-microbiology research, develop a range of laboratory skills, and assist in planning and carrying out experiments.
Click here for more information about Dr. Barton’s lab