U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Great Lakes Center is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research on "Genomic Analysis of Microbial Communities in Degraded Ecosystems." This research effort will use innovative and cutting edge microbial genomics tools to investigate microbial communities in degraded ecosystems and their roles in restoration. The goal of this research is to understand how degradation influences the microbial community and how in turn the microbial community influences further degradation and potential for restoration in the Great Lakes basin.

The research objectives include: (1) Investigate the hypothesis whether nearshore and adjacent beach microbial contamination is from riverine or other sources based on microbial metagenomic signatures. (2) Test the hypothesis that rhizosphere microbial communities differ between congeneric native and invasive plant species (Celastrus and Phragmites) to determine whether the invasive spread might be facilitated by microbial positive feedback mechanisms. (3) Determine whether the microbiome of the plant rhizosphere is a contributing factor for seedling success in a greenhouse experiment.. (4) Analysis of metagenomics data (obtained from aquatic and terrestrial projects) through the use of complex statistical analyses and large dataset. Ongoing collaboration will include (a) combined efforts to isolate and identify the microbial communities from water and rhizosphere samples and (b) quantitative analysis of metagenomics data, and (c) interpretation of results and writing of manuscripts.

Amount: $51,000 (upper) - It is anticipated that one award will be made with one base year and one renewal year. Funding in the amount of $51,000 is available for FY 2015. Additional funding will be based upon satisfactory progress and the availability of funding.

Due Date: July 17, 2016 (Full Proposal)