University of Toronto Department

Graduate Students

Rachel James

Research Associates

Neutrophilic Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria: A Biogeochemical Integrative Approach for Exploring Microbial Diversity and Ecological Significance

Rachel James

Reseach: Past and Present

Rachel joined the MGL in June 2002, shortly after graduation from Hons. Environmental Science at McMaster University, Hamilton Ontario in May 2002. This interdisciplinary background established the foundation for future studies into the complex interactions between bacteria and minerals. Rachel’s current research involves the study of the influence of neutrophilic iron oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) community structure on aqueous geochemistry and mineralogy. This research applies an integrative approach to combine laboratory and field-based in situ experimentation to document the biological, chemical and physical characteristics of natural communities of FeOB. Three biogeochemically contrasting host environments will be analyzed with the aim of defining microbial diversity, physiological niche, metabolic activity and the environmental impact of this group of microorganisms at iron-rich circumneutral redox gradients.

Research Travel

Deep-Sea: In December 2003 Rachel was invited by Dr. Hubert Staudigel to join an exploration cruise of the Loihi Seamount off the Southern tip of the island of Hawaii with the Hawaiian Underwater Research Laboratory (HURL).

Deep Biosphere: In May and June 2004 Rachel traveled to the University of Gothenburg in Sweden where she studied under the supervision of Dr. Karsten Pedersen. During that time she spent 10 days at a field site 450 m underground at SKB’s Äspö hard rock laboratory.