Waldan Kwong Lab

Microbial Genomics and Symbiosis

The group is broadly interested in the ecology, evolution, and function of microorganisms: How have they become so diverse and successful? What enables them to form complex communities with each other, and with multicellular eukaryotes? How can we benefit from their tremendous evolutionary innovations?

Currently, the Microbial Genomics and Symbiosis Lab is using social bees as a model system to investigate these questions. Social bees, including honey bees and bumble bees, possess a simple, yet unique, gut microbiota that has only recently been described, and is still poorly understood. We are working to understand the function and natural history of these microbes, through developing genetic tools, genomic datasets, and culture collections. As prolific pollinators of plants, bees are critical for sustaining both natural ecosystems and human agriculture. Understanding their relationship with their symbiotic gut microbes will help uncover ways to improve the health and aid conservation of these important insects.