Overview

Specialties within the program range from the study of microbial diversity in extreme environments, either natural or man-induced, to the role of microbes in managed ecosystems, such as in agriculture and forests. 

Our students typically have exceptionally strong backgrounds in one or more of these specialties and an interest in research that advances our fundamental knowledge about microorganisms and leads to improved efficiencies of our managed ecosystems. After completing their degrees they go on to careers in academia, environmental policy, government agencies, industry, and other fields.

Thesis

A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. 

The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.