MR

Micaela Robson

Postdoctoral Teaching Scholar

[email protected]

Research Areas:

• Microbial nitrogen and carbon metabolism
• Integrated -omic analyses
• Biocementation

Techniques:

• DNA and RNA-sequencing
• Genome mining
• Transcriptomic data analysis
• Bacterial culture

Project Description:

My research focuses on understanding how certain bacteria remove nitrogen from the environment through a process called heterotrophic nitrification – aerobic denitrification (HNAD). These bacteria are unique because they can convert soluble inorganic nitrogen into nitrogen gas under oxygen-rich conditions, a capability that traditional nitrifiers and denitrifiers do not have. 

I use a combination of physiological characterization, whole genome sequencing, and -omic gene expression analyses to uncover how these organisms regulate their metabolism, what genes and pathways are involved, and how we can leverage them to reduce nitrogen pollution. The long-term goal of this work is to design microbial-based solutions for nitrogen removal that can enhance the sustainability of agricultural and engineered systems (biocementation, wastewater treatment). 

Students who participate in this work will gain experience in multi-factor experimental design, RNA sequencing workflow, and transcriptomic data analyses to uncover nitrogen and carbon metabolic pathways in novel bacterial isolates.

Get to know Dr. Robson:

What is your research area and why are you passionate about it?

I love studying unique bacterial metabolic pathways that can be applied towards sustainability and remediation efforts! Bacteria can live in challenging environments and have developed amazing enzymes and pathways to enable their survival. Our knowledge of these pathways is extremely limited, which is why I am interested in using -omic approaches to uncover the enzymes and coding genes behind them so that they can be better leveraged for real-world solutions.

What do you like most about research?

Being on the edge of knowledge and asking questions that don’t yet have clear answers. I love the sense of discovery, even in small wins, and the opportunity to collaborate with others to advance science in ways that can make a real, positive impact on the world.

How would you describe your mentoring style?

I usually adapt my mentoring style to each student’s needs. I focus on making sure the student has clear directions and understanding, then letting them try on their own. It is important to me that students have ownership of their work while I am here to guide, demonstrate, and answer questions as needed.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to students beginning research?

Be patient with yourself and trust your abilities! You are more capable than you think. And have fun- that is the most important ingredient to research!