May 7th, Devaki Bhaya: Cooperation and conflict in microbial communities: a molecular view

Devaki Bhaya

Devaki Bhaya is a professor in the Department of Plant Sciences. “Research in my lab is driven by an interest in understanding how photosynthetic microorganisms perceive and evolve in response to environmental stressors, such as light, nutrients and viral attack. We focus on cyanobacteria which are abundant, globally relevant and have been used to probe environmentally important processes ranging from photosynthesis to symbioses to circadian rhythms. We work both with model organisms and with cyanobacteria in naturally occurring communities.”

Talk: Cooperation and conflict in microbial communities: a molecular view

We know surprisingly little about the activity and co-existence of microbial and viral life in communities. High throughput sequencing and “omics” technologies have allowed us a first tantalizing glimpse into the diversity of this hidden world. I’ll focus on cyanobacteria which are environmentally important and have been used to probe important processes ranging from photosynthesis to symbioses to circadian rhythms. Using techniques ranging from metagenomics to in situ biochemical analyses we have attempted to explore how genomic diversity and metabolic versatility are integrated into microbial community function. I will use examples that highlight our current interests, particularly the way we are using CRISPR Cas based adaptive immunity to explore the conflict and co-evolution of bacteria and viruses. I believe that progress will require both interdisciplinary collaborations and in-depth analysis and look forward to feedback and debate.

Seminar details

Wednesday May 7th, 2014
1:15 PM Seminar (no lunch, but cookies and lemonade afterwards)
Location: Clark Auditorium