Iron-sulfides are some of the most abundant mineral types on Earth. In the deep-sea environment, iron-sulfides are commonly seen in sediments but also associated with hydrothermal vent fields, including seafloor massive sulfide deposits. An analysis of early microbial colonization on iron-sulfides was undertaken in the U.S. west and east coasts to gain perspectives on rapid utilization of iron-sulfides as potential electron donors by chemolithoautotrophic microbes with goals of understanding the interplay between neutrophilic autotrophic iron-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB). I will discuss the microbial ecology associated with these (and other) minerals and the opportunities that these setups provide for the successful cultivation of microaerobic FeOB and SOB, among other chemolithoautotrophs.

Ileana Pérez-Rodríguez, University of Pennsylvania
From microbes in nature to nature in microbes

Deliberate cultivation and isolation of microorganisms associated with rock-water reactions in oceanic crust provides direct understanding of microbial physiologies and metabolisms, and how they are expressed under controlled and measurable physicochemical conditions. Specifically, I will show how my cultivation studies with anaerobic hydrogenotrophs from seafloor and subseafloor environments inform understanding of microbial speciation and microbial community structure in hydrothermal ecosystems. Studying microbial responses to environmental parameters also advances their utility for biotechnological applications.

Connection Info

Register for the Zoom meeting to receive a confirmation email containing the connection information.


About the C-DEBI Virtual Meeting Series

Building on the enthusiasm of our first virtual annual meeting in 2020, we continue to bring the C-DEBI community together through a virtual meeting series. These virtual events will be held monthly during the first week of each month, with a regular rotation of science workshops and professional development workshops. Each workshop will contain about 90 minutes of programming, including invited speakers to give plenary tutorials and presentations, breakout sessions, and plenary Q&A sessions. To foster an open environment for discussion, these talks will not be recorded.

C-DEBI is committed to providing a virtual meeting space where all participants feel welcome, safe, and included. By registering for and attending the meeting, you agree to review and abide by our non-discriminatory code of conduct.

The layout of the 90-minute meetings (all 10:30AM - 12:00PM Pacific Time) is anticipated to be:

• Welcome (10 minutes)
• Community building ice breaker (10 minutes; in breakout rooms if the group is large)
• Plenary talk(s) (30 minutes)
• Open Q&A (30 minutes)
• Wrap up (10 minutes)