Trends in Marine Microbiology
Linda Wegley Kelly, PhD, a marine microbial ecologist in the Department of Biology at San Diego State University, talks to contributing editor Tanuja Koppal, PhD, about what has changed in the field since 2001, when she started working in the lab. While genomic and sequencing technologies have become easier and cheaper, the work on the bioinformatics side has now become more tedious in terms of the volume of data that needs to be analyzed. While systems for sample collection and storage have become convenient and customizable, the use of automation in microbiology remains fairly limited. Contamination still remains a cause for concern, and protocols have to be rigorously outlined and implemented.
Q: What is the focus of your research?
A: The focus of our research is microbial ecology in the ocean. We also study cystic fibrosis and look at microbes in the lung and gut. Some people in the lab study bacteria, but many study viruses. My work is mainly involved with the environmental projects in the ocean, looking at bacteria associated with coral reefs, although I do study some viruses too.
