Research Expertise and Interest

microbiology, microbial development, microbial development; molecular genetics, biochemistry, biochemistry; molecular genetics; cell biology, microbial social behaviors, bacterial communities / microbiomes, collective behaviors

Research Description

The Gibbs Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial social behaviors such as collective motility, competition, and communication. We are particularly interested in determining how individual agency and community interactions influence population dynamics and group structure. We use quantitative metrics to understand these qualitative behaviors, employing techniques from microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, microscopy, phylogenetics, and genomics.