People
Dr. Paul A. Lawson
I obtained my B.Sc in Special Biochemisty at the University of London (Royal Holloway College) in 1984. Upon graduation I joined an Medical Research Council Periodontal Research Unit at the London Hospital Medical College where I worked on the isolation and characterization of anaerobic bacteria. In 1986 I joined the Directors Laboratory at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund where I was part of a team investigating the genetic inheritance of Colon Cancer. I then then returned to the LHMC in the Department of Oral Microbiology where I continued my research for my Ph.D thesis entitled 'A molecular and systematic study of the genus Fusobacterium with particular reference to Fusobacterium nucleatum and Fusobacterium necrophorum'. Upon completion of this study l joined the Systematics Research Group of Professor M.D. Collins at the BBSRC Institute of Food Research, Reading, UK.
My interests include molecular based methodologies of a wide range of both anaerobic and aerobic organisms. A major area of interest was with the genus Clostridium, which represents a heterogeneous and exceedingly problematic group of anaerobic spore-forming bacteria. However my research activities extend far beyond the systematics of clostridia and I am interested in microbial phylogeny in the broadest context embracing clinical, veterinary and environmental sources for the isolation of novel bacterial biodiversity. In 1999 our group transferred to the University of Reading where I progressed to Senior Research Fellow and was involved in many varied research projects under my mentor, Professor M. David Collins D.Sc. (Bergey Award 1990; Van Neil International Prize for Studies in Bacterial Systematics, 2008).
In 2005 I took up my present faculty position. On arrival at the University of Oklahoma in 2005 and establishing my own research group it was clear I had some decisions to make on the direction of my future work, due to my wide interests. An important consideration was which projects would ultimately be fundable as well as academically interesting and challenging. In addition to continuing some productive and well-established projects undertaken at the University of Reading, UK, I was very keen to initiate collaborations with my new colleagues here at OU. In addition to original research projects, courses taught I also make regular contributions to the Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology.
Michelle R. Thomas
Hi, my name is Michelle Thomas. I am a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma.
I am currently studying microbial populations found in the GI tract of children with regressive autism.
My interests include rock climbing, dancing, and dancing.
In addition to working in the lab, during the semester I am a Teaching Assistant for the Capstone lab in microbiology
and Research Assistant. During the summer, I enjoy teaching Upward Bound Biology II. During my spare time, I am also
a co-owner / manager of Erin Capri L.L.C., a fashion line for women specializing in creating unique designs for women.
Education/Training
- University of Oklahoma Microbiology BS 2005
- University of Oklahoma PhD candidate NA 2006-current
Awards
- Bill Gates Scholar
- NCAA Inspiration Award Winner (2005)
- Prentice Gaut Award Recipient (2005)
- NCAA All Academic (2000, 2001, 2003)
- NCAA Honors Dinner Speaker (2005)
Chris Marks
I am a graduate student pursuing my Ph D. with Dr. Paul Lawson. My research interests are in the application of microbial processes to industrial problems specifically those where a current waste product may be converted into a viable industrial substrate. I am also interested in microbial bioremediation and alternative energy strategies such as microbial mediated ethanol and hydrogen production as well as microbial fuel cells. Currently I am working on two biofuels projects in which I am looking to isolate novel microbial catalysts capable of either direct ethanol fermentation of lignocellulosic substrates or indirect ethanol fermentation of synthesis gas.
Education/Training
- University of Oklahoma Microbiology BS 2008
- University of Oklahoma PhD candidate 2008-current
Nikki Johnson
My research is focused on the anaerobic cultivation and phylogenetic characterization of novel bacteria and archaea. It has been estimated that only 1% of life has been identified, leaving an enormous opportunity to contribute to our knowledge of microbial biodiversity and taxonomic discovery. As part of Dr. Lawson's Lab, I employ molecular techniques to identify isolated microorganisms from anaerobic enrichments based off targeted metabolic properties.
Specifically, I'm interested in Microbially Influenced Corrosion (MIC), and in culturing anaerobic microorganisms from the Alaskan North Slope that are involved in biocorrosion problems. Ultimately, identification of these inhabitants and further analysis of their biochemical activity will lead to the mitigation of issues concerning infrastructure damage due to MIC in industrial settings as well as problems with fuel biodeterioration. Additionally, the characterization of novel organisms and taxonomic studies will contribute to the overall understanding of the microbial diversity of petroleum microbiology.
Similarly, I am also applying the same mitigation goals and anaerobic culturing techniques to the identification of novel organisms responsible for the toxic compounds produced from swine slurry that is being stored in large underground holding tanks. Aside from being odorous, compounds such as indols, phenolics, ammonia, and volatile amines can be harmful to humans in direct contact, and are thus an important area of study. I am currently working to culture novel anaerobic Archaea from these samples.
Education/Training
- University of Oklahoma Microbiology BS 2008
- University of Oklahoma PhD candidate 2008-current
Heather Drilling
I graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a B.S. in Biology. My research interests are broadly defined by environmental microbiology and microbial ecology. I am currently working on my PhD with Dr. Paul Lawson and Dr. Bradley Stevenson. My research is focused on Microbially Influenced Corrosion using high throughput molecular methods with the goal being better monitoring and mitigation of corrosion.
Education/Training
- University of Central Oklahoma, Biology BS 2006
- University of Oklahoma PhD candidate 2006-current
Nathaniel Losey
My name is Nathaniel Losey and I am the newest graduate student in the Lawson lab beginning in the Fall of 2009. I recently graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. The reason I decided to join the Lawson lab was in order to learn and master a wide range of anaerobic techniques. I hope to learn how to isolate, characterize, and employ various molecular techniques for the purpose of studying anaerobic microorganisms. My research will be focused on attempting to isolate and characterize novel organisms from a relatively unexplored group of hot springs with temperatures averaging 60°C. The unique characteristics of this particular system of hot springs hopefully harbor microbes with metabolisms atypical of other more thoroughly examined hot springs with much higher temperatures. A secondary aspect of my research will be to attempt to correlate the relationship between the variety of microenvironments present and the diversity of Bacteria and Archaea found at these sites.
Education/Training
- Clemson University, Microbiology BS 2009
- University of Oklahoma MS student 2009-current
