Darian Smercina

The Influence of Crop Selection and Soil Properties on the Accumulation and Stabilization of Microbial Residues in Soil

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Kirsten Hofmockel

EMSL Staff Proposal: The proposed research confronts the emerging paradigm that dead microbial cells, or necromass, are a major source of organic carbon in soil. Microbial necromass accumulation may…

In situ characterization of associations and resource exchange between free-living nitrogen-fixers and switchgrass

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Kirsten Hofmockel

This project will increase our understanding of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) exchange in the rhizosphere. Specifically, we aim to understand how free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria (diazotrophs) may…

Identifying and understanding the function and importance of vertically transferred microorganisms within a bioenergy crop microbiome

Lead Institution

Michigan State University

Principal Investigator

Lisa Tiemann

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

To meet the goals of highly productive and sustainable bioenergy cropping systems, we need to explore all options for improving the efficiency of bioenergy crops, including optimizing the positive…

In situ characterization of associations and resource exchange between free-living nitrogen-fixers and switchgrass

Lead Institution

Michigan State University

Principal Investigator

Lisa Tiemann

The process by which atmospheric N2 is converted into ammonia by bacteria is energetically expensive. Diazotrophs living in the rhizosphere (root surface and associated soil) of bioenergy crops, such…

Evaluating Spatial and Molecular Drivers of Microbial Function

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Kirsten Hofmockel

One of the greatest and most persistent challenges in the field of soil ecology is the establishment of a direct and predictable link between soil microorganisms and ecosystem function. Soil…

Identifying Multi-omics of Microbial Function

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Kirsten Hofmockel

Project type

Limited Scope

Soil microorganisms are key drivers of global biogeochemical cycles, impacting the flow of nutrients to all life on Earth and many ecosystem services we depend on, such as crop production and carbon…

Micro to Macro - Molecular and Spatial Controls on Microbial Function

Lead Institution

Kula Bio, Inc.

Principal Investigator

Darian Smercina

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

Establishing a clear and predictable link between the structure and function of soil microbial communities and ecosystem processes remains one of the greatest challenges in soil ecology. Soil…

Bio-printed microbial habitats for high-throughput, in situ metaphenomics

Lead Institution

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Jayde Aufrecht

Outside of laboratory cultures microorganisms live in micro-structured environments which provide non-competitive spatial niches critical to maintaining genotypic and phenotypic diversity in the…

Automating Microbial Community Phenotyping within Synthetic Soil Aggregates

Lead Institution

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Jayde Aufrecht

Microbial hotspots are the sites of nearly all biogeochemical transformations (BGT) in the soil. Unfortunately, the small size (µm to mm) and transient existence (hours to days) of microbial…

Tracking switchgrass photosynthate via 13CO2 pulse-chase into the rhizosphere microbiome and metabolome

Lead Institution

Michigan State University

Principal Investigator

Lisa Tiemann

Project type

FICUS Research

This project aims to increase our understanding of plant-microbe interactions, specifically the exchange of plant C for microbially derived nitrogen. Plant exudates are a high energy foods for…

EMSL Science Overview

Darian Smercina

Projects

The Influence of Crop Selection and Soil Properties on the Accumulation and Stabilization of Microbial Residues in Soil

In situ characterization of associations and resource exchange between free-living nitrogen-fixers and switchgrass

Identifying and understanding the function and importance of vertically transferred microorganisms within a bioenergy crop microbiome

In situ characterization of associations and resource exchange between free-living nitrogen-fixers and switchgrass

Evaluating Spatial and Molecular Drivers of Microbial Function

Identifying Multi-omics of Microbial Function

Micro to Macro - Molecular and Spatial Controls on Microbial Function

Bio-printed microbial habitats for high-throughput, in situ metaphenomics

Automating Microbial Community Phenotyping within Synthetic Soil Aggregates

Tracking switchgrass photosynthate via 13CO2 pulse-chase into the rhizosphere microbiome and metabolome