The CGLab focuses on the assembly and function 0f microbial communities associated with plants,  animals and aquatic systems. Our home is the Department of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt, and our lab lays in between redwood forests and Pacific Northwest rocky beaches.
Dr. Cuellar-Gempeler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt
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 and (3) natural history (Fig 1). ​In terms of ecological theory, our research questions are at the interface between the metacommunity framework and ecosystem ecology, with focus on how and when does community assembly contribute to ecosystem function. We learn continuously about new methods to see, measure and quantify invisible organisms around and on us. Especially because we want to learn how the natural history of animals and plants interacts with the microbial world. 
We use a combination of traditional microbiology, field work, microcosms, molecular techniques and bioinformatic tools to study microbial communities and their hosts and environment. 
Check out our research page: You will find crabs, bacteria and protozoa, pitcher plants, wastewater 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!

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