Research

Our research spans systems biology, genomics, bioinformatics, microbial evolution and ecology.

Our lab is interested in elucidating the molecular mechanisms that drive eco-evolutionary dynamics and the consequences of these relationships on emergent function at both the whole-organism and whole-system level. To address these questions, our lab uses an integrative approach combining large scale experiments, synthetic microbial systems, theoretical modeling, and functional ‘omics. Below are a couple of brief examples of the types of research systems we focus on.

Eco-evolutionary dynamics of microbial systems.

We use a lab-based synthetic microbial ‘model’ systems that are easily culturable and can be highly replicated to address fundamental questions evolution and ecology (Landis & Oliverio et al., 2021, eLife; Rappaport et al., 2023 mSystems). Current research in this area is focused on using starters to explore eco-evolutionary dynamics.

Elucidating the evolution, ecology, and physiology of eukaryotic organisms in extreme environments

Our aim is to understand how eukaryotic organisms tolerate and thrive in extreme temperatures. While bacteria and archaea have well-documented upper thermal limits, the physiological and evolutionary constraints on eukaryotic cells at high temperature remain poorly understood (Rappaport & Oliverio, 2023, Nature Comms). We are continuing to build a research program on the physiology and molecular mechanisms of extremophile organisms (Rappaport et al., 2025).