College of Science & Engineering
Twin Cities
The overall goal of research in the Santelli Geomicrobiology Lab is to examine interactions between minerals and microorganisms, including fungi, to understand how biomineralization, biocorrosion, and metabolic activity influence the fate and distribution of metals, nutrients, and pollutants in the environment. The lab's specific research objectives are driven by conducting fundamental scientific research on environmentally relevant biogeochemical processes and key elements in nature that are further influenced by anthropogenic activities, such as mining and agriculture. In addition to answering key questions on the mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and geochemical impact of mineral-microbe interactions, the researchers seek to inform and improve strategies for remediating inorganic pollutants to improve the quality and health of water and soil environments.
The group is using MSI’s HPC resources for analysis of large quantities of DNA and RNA sequences using a variety of software packages. Current and near future work will include whole genome assembly of fungal genomes, RNA-seq analysis, microbiome, and metagenomics analysis. The group will also store and analyze shotgun metagenomics data that they are generating.