Welcome

… to the Lawson Molecular Systematics Laboratory. You can find information about the lab, the people who work here, our current research projects, and the classes we are involved in teaching.

About the Lab

In my laboratory we investigate the enormous biodiversity of bacterial life present in a number of wide-ranging habitats. Although employing molecular techniques to study microorganisms, we also appreciate the traditional skills of the microbiologist. It is only in the seamless use of both traditional microbiological and modern molecular techniques that we can begin to understand the complex interrelationships of organisms. We are interested not only in the vast array of microorganisms and the habits they frequent but also in the shifts in population structures occurring due to changes in environmental conditions or particular stresses placed upon a particular ecosystem and the interplay of microorganisms within the biosphere.

Research Focus

We have many have many interests and side projects and at first sight this may seen a disparate array of organisms and subject matters; however the overriding theme is molecular systematics using traditional microbiological and modern molecular genetic methods.

• Gastrointestinal microbiology (including studies on Late-Onset Autism)
• Biofuel
• Biocorrosion
• Investigations into microbial populations in swine manure and slurry
• New & Emerging animal and human pathogens