This website is dedicated to advancing the public's understanding of scientific research associated with complex microbial communities on Earth and in the space environment.

Far too often scientists do not clearly convey to general audiences the importance and continual need for their medical or environmental research programs. The public needs to understand how scientific research works; and, how this new knowledge helps themselves, their communities, and the world around them.

The goal of this website is to present my own specific research and educational activities in microbiology and astrobiology in order to bridge the gap between scientist and layman.

My research has focused on the establishment and maintenance of symbiotic associations, such as microbial mats. Microbial mats, a type of biofilm, are complex community structures that contain a diverse array of microbes and are under constant exposure to environmental stresses.

Microbial mats are thought to be one of the oldest known ecosystems with fossils that date back over 3 billion years. Modern analogs to these ancient communities provide critical clues to the origin and evolution of life on the planet Earth.

This website presents current research and educational activities associated with understanding these complex communities with the goal of making this knowledge accessible to all.