The Microbial Volatilome team is looking to enroll students for course credit in the Fall 2025 semester. Paid opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis.
This team explores the critical yet often overlooked role of volatile compounds in microbial metabolism, focusing on both greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that serve as metabolic substrates and signaling molecules in microbial communities. Our research leverages cutting-edge VOC detection technologies and genomics approaches to understand these crucial components of the microbial metabolome.
The team employs multiple research strategies, including analyzing soil-atmosphere VOC fluxes at the Biosphere 2 Tropical Rainforest, developing automated pipelines for predicting metabolic pathway volatility, and conducting laboratory culture experiments. Through collaboration with industry partners Aerodyne Research and QuantAQ, students engage with advanced sensor technologies and mass spectrometry, with opportunities for industry internships. This comprehensive approach combines database development, bioinformatics, and experimental work to advance our understanding of microbial VOC cycling in environmental, health, and agricultural systems.
For more information about this team, please visit: https://uavip.arizona.edu/microbial-metabolome-arid-ecosystem
