DEKAS LAB

The Dekas Lab focuses on understanding the microbiology and biogeochemistry of the deep sea: the largest and least explored habitat on the surface of our planet. We investigate the diversity, distribution and activity of marine bacteria and archaea driving carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling, with a focus on processes directly and indirectly involved in the production and consumption of greenhouse gases (e.g. CH 4, CO 2 and N 2 O). Using techniques from both molecular biology and isotope geochemistry, we answer questions such as: (1) "who" is doing "what" (linking phylogenetic identity to physiological function), (2) what are the biogeochemical controls on metabolic rates, (3) how do specific metabolisms affect global-scale biogeochemical cycles and climate, and (4) will these metabolisms act as a positive or negative feedback to climate change?

Primary location: Stanford United States