Extremophile Ecology
We are investigating the distribution and abundance of microorganisms from New Zealand’s extreme environments, as well as the interactions between the organisms and their surroundings.
A wide range of geochemically diverse hot springs and soils in the Taupo Volcanic Zone support microbial life. We are using cultivation- dependent and -independent techniques to investigate microbial diversity.
We are using molecular DNA and classical culturing techniques to study the microbial diversity of hydrothermal vents on submarine volcanoes of the Kermadec Arc. Many of the microorganisms or their closest relations have never been grown in the laboratory, and in most cases are only distantly related to known microorganisms.