1. Bacteriophages isolated from soil using hosts found in soil:SEA PHAGES (HHMI) 2. The Arginine Effect. And, assay of quorum sensing inhibitors, synthetic and those in Ginseng

My research group studies marine bioluminescent bacteria and their ecology, physiology and luciferase kinetics, particularly their life in fish guts, feces and seawater. We are interested to understand 1) the evolution of luciferase kinetic classes and arginine regulation of luciferase synthesis (lux operon); 2) the bacterial bioluminescence and it’s molecular genetics, physiology, and biochemistry all play into the ecology of luminous marine bacteria and their symbiotic associations with fish and invertebrates.