Research
Microbial ecosystem modeling
A major focus of our work is to understand microbial ecosystem structure and function on large scales. The animation below shows global surface ocean simulations with interacting microbes, simulated using the Darwin ecosystem model. The observed patterns are the result of many microscopic interactions between different members of the ecosystem. Convection and mixing deliver nutrients to the surface ocean which the phytoplankton and bacteria feed on. Grazers and viruses in turn feed on the phytoplankton and bacteria, which can lead to local recycling of nutrients, but also export of material away from the ocean surface. Our challenge is to understand whether these idealized simulations are reflective of real ocean processes, and to tie microbial interactions with large scale cycling of nutrients and carbon.
Outreach
Modeling - a 'Tool of Science'. Mathematical modeling is used in diverse areas, from weather prediction, to designing race cars and rockets, and environmental research. To help broaden understanding of how models are used to develop our understanding of natural processes, we teamed up with colleagues at Rutgers University, MIT, and Talapia Film, based in LA. The movie below is part of the Tools of Science project, that will be used to help high school students understand how models, and other tools, are used to develop our understanding of natural systems.
Modeling - a 'Tool of Science'. Mathematical modeling is used in diverse areas, from weather prediction, to designing race cars and rockets, and environmental research. To help broaden understanding of how models are used to develop our understanding of natural processes, we teamed up with colleagues at Rutgers University, MIT, and Talapia Film, based in LA. The movie below is part of the Tools of Science project, that will be used to help high school students understand how models, and other tools, are used to develop our understanding of natural systems.
Expanding your Horizons. A new generation of young women scientists and STEM graduates will be integral to the future and progression of science. In November 2019, post-doc Audra Hinson participated in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Activity Day hosted by National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) and the Expanding Your Horizons Network (EYH) for middle-school girls from around Knoxville and East Tennessee. Audra and other women faculty and staff from the University of Tennessee and Oakridge National Laboratory led STEM hands-on activities for 55 middle-school girls.
http://www.nimbios.org/education/horizons_conf
http://www.nimbios.org/education/horizons_conf
