Featured Scientist

Photo: Denise Akob sampling heavy metal and radionuclide contaminated soils in the area of Ronneburg, Germany to understand the role of Mn oxidizing bacteria in natural attenuation.

I am a microbial ecologist working in a variety of ecosystems to understand how microorganisms mediate biogeochemical processes, affect the fate of contaminants in ecosystems, and contribute to the transformation of metals and minerals. In my work I combine methods from numerous disciplines including microbial cultivation (aerobic and anaerobic), molecular biology techniques, and geochemical methods. My research program concerns 1) the cycling of metals such as iron, uranium, and manganese in natural and contaminated systems, 2) illuminating unseen microbial biodiversity in natural systems such as caves, aquifers, and carnivorous plants, and 3) understanding how microbes can enhance coal bed methane production.

Science Center:

Reston Microbiology Lab, USGS National Center

Research Areas:

Bioremediation and Natural Attenuation of Heavy Metal and Radionuclide Contaminants

Biogenic Methane Generation from Coal and Other Geopolymers

Detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Chytrid Fungus) in Aquatic Environments

For more information, contact Denise Akob.