Azam Lab

The Azam Lab studies the ecology of marine bacteria and viruses, their diversity, and their population dynamics. Studies also include biochemical and molecular adaptations of bacteria for life in the ocean environment. In addition, the Azam Lab is examining the significance of bacteria and viruses in the structure and function of the microbial food web in the ocean.

Of special interest to the Azam Lab is the role played by marine bacteria and viruses in the oceanic carbon cycle through their control of organic matter decomposition. This knowledge is needed to build mechanistic and predictive models of global climate change. Recently, the lab has also been studying how climate change might influence the survival and proliferation of the human pathogenic bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Additional research focuses on the composition and function of microbial communities on corals, and the impact of environmental stressors such as aquaculture, increased temperature, and disease on those communities.  This research is essential to understand the role of microbes in the health and functioning of coral reef ecosystems.

Mailing Address:

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

University of California San Diego

9500 Gilman Drive MC0202

La Jolla, CA 92093

phone: 858-534-3196

fax: 858-534-7313

For Fedex, UPS, overnight or frozen packages:

8750 Biological Grade

4200 Hubbs Hall

La Jolla, CA 92037