My primary research interests are the interactions between marine microbes and their environment. My work with Dr. Charlie Trick is focused on describing the different components of the marine microbial community and identifying the factors, like nutrient supply, light, or predation, that control the growth and abundance of these ecologically important organisms. So my usual hat is something to keep the salt water from going down the back of my neck (the picture is from a lovely day in the North Pacific Ocean). However, I have donned the toque (a watch cap to my American friends) to study microbes in ice-covered lakes in Antarctica.

I am fascinated by the enormous diversity of microbial life and all the ways these organisms live and thrive in a challenging world. Whether they are starved for nutrients in the middle of the ocean, or surviving in the cold and dark of an Antarctic lake, these organisms are Life-with-a-big-L. Studying these organisms helps us comprehend the past, present, and future of all life on Earth.



Benjamin Beall
Grad student
University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada