Coleman Lab

My research addresses the how and why of microbial biodiversity: how this remarkable biodiversity is created and maintained, and why it is important for adaptation and ecosystem function. In particular, I am interested in the dynamics and ecosystem consequences of fine-scale biodiversity – the diversity within natural populations and among close relatives.

We address these topics using field observations, cultivated model systems, genetic approaches to manipulate genomes and organisms, and computational and bioinformatic tools.

We believe science is for all. We strive to enable people of all backgrounds to participate in scientific discovery. We work to make our own research accessible and actionable.