Our research interests are in environmental microbiology and water quality and its interface with both public and ecosystem health. In particular, we are interested in how ecosystem change and human activities, e.g. pollution, eutrophication and climate change affect microbial communities in coastal watersheds. Microorganisms underpin many of the key ecosystem processes, and some are important human pathogens. Understanding the link between ecosystem functioning and the distribution of microbial diversity is essential to predict ecosystem responses to a changing environment, and ultimately protect human health and well-being.

​Our research also focuses on the control of waterborne pathogens, particularly enteric viruses, including new detection methods and mechanisms of pathogen inactivation.

Our research is supported by the U.S. Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research, U.S. EPA, U.S. Geological Survey, National Science Foundation (NSF), Louisiana Board of Regents.

AW Lab_Fall 2023

AW Lab_Spring 2023

AW Lab_Fall 2022

Not in the picture: Sam Fisch.

 

AW Lab_Spring 2022

AW Lab_2018

AW Lab_2017