Research in our lab focuses on the assembly and function 0f microbial communities associated with plants and animals.
Lab logo: The world through the lens of microbial life. Design by Megan Teigen and Parker Lund. 
We believe most of our thinking happens around three overlapping themes: (1) ecological theory, (2) microbiology methods and (3) the natural history of each of our systems of study (Fig 1). ​In terms of ecological theory, our research questions are at the interface between the metacommunity framework and ecosystem function, with focus on how and when does community assembly contribute to function. 
​To tackle these general questions in ecology, we focus on microbial communities, their assembly processes and their function. We use a combination of traditional microbiology, field work, microcosms, molecular techniques and bioinformatic tools to study invisible organisms. Most often than not, the microbial communities we study are associated with animal and plant hosts. We enjoy learning about the natural history of host systems and how microbes may play a role in their ecology, evolution and behavior. 
Check out our research page: You will find crabs, bacteria and protozoa, pitcher plants, and more. There is something for everyone.

Before you leave, make sure to consider:
  • To meet the Team! And check out what everyone is up to.
  • Do you like science and music? In my free time, I sing songs about science.
  • We are looking for new members for our team. Check our opportunities page!
Dr. Cuellar-Gempeler is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt

NEWS FEED

  • Congratulations to Parker lund for a FANTASTIC dissertation defense on April 13th! It was such a joy to see all of this work come together and you did an outstanding work. 
  • Gavin Sutter agreed to join us and begin his Master's study in the Fall 2023! Welcome Gavin!
  • Publication from December is now online: Predator dispersal influences predator distribution but not prey diversity in pitcher plant microbial metacommunities. https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ecy.3912
  • Congratulations to Parker Lund for sending out their thesis write up! now gearing up to the defense in April 13th. Join us for all the anemone merriment!