Overall Research Themes

The Dunn lab uses molecular and genetic tools to understand how bacterial physiology contributes to the ability of microbes to survive and thrive in the environment, whether it be while free-living or during association with another organism.

Our current model organism is the bioluminescent marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri. This organism has both a free-living and a symbiotic host-associated lifestyle, making it an ideal organism for studying how different physiological attributes contribute to flexibility in lifestyle. Please see the current research link for more detailed information about research projects in the lab.

Vibrio fischeri colonies on an agar plate under normal light (left) and in the dark (right), demonstrating bioluminescence production. [Credit: J. W. Hastings through E. G. Ruby]