Molecular techniques in microbial community structure analysis with emphasis
in understanding interactions among bacterial communities in extreme environments.
Comparative physiology, biochemistry and ecology of marine
invertebrate/bacterial symbioses with focus on use of molecular techniques
to resolve biochemical interactions between host and symbiont. Research
centered primarily on hydrothermal vents and cold seep habitats.
Bacterial symbiont transmission mechanisms during early
development. In situ hybridization and fluorenscense microscopy for quantitative
analysis of gene expression of symbionts in response to early developmental
processes of host.
Use of molecular technology in the development of biological
indices to better assess condition and levels of adaptation of marine
bacteria in extreme environments.
Development of molecular diagnosic tools to detect and
enumerate harmful algal species in Delaware waters.