Department of Biology

Lab

Biology Bldg. 261
812-856-7235
Lennon Lab website
Lennon Lab Wiki
Follow the Lennon Lab on Twitter

Awards

Humboldt Research Award, 2023
Fellow, Ecological Society of America, 2021
Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology, 2019
Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2018
Kavli Fellow, National Academy of Sciences, 2012

Research

Microorganisms are the most abundant and diverse life forms on Earth. They have fast reproductive rates and evolve rapidly to changes in their environment. Microbes also carry out processes that are critical for the stability of natural and managed ecosystems.

We study the ecology and evolution of microbial communities. We are interested in the factors that generate and maintain microbial biodiversity. In turn, we seek to understand the implications of microbial diversity for ecosystem functioning. Our research uses various tools including molecular biology, simulation modeling, laboratory experiments, field surveys, and whole ecosystem manipulations in a wide range of habitats.

For additional information and news, visit the Lab Wiki and follow us on Twitter. Data and code for our projects can be found on GitHub.

Research areas

Ecology
Evolution
Genomics and Bioinformatics
Microbial Cell Biology and Environmental Responses
Microbial Interactions and Pathogenesis