Dr. David Zeevi

We study how microbial ecosystems are affected by human-made artifacts. We apply the insights learned from these microbes to devise new ways to protect the environment. We sample natural environments that are exposed to human interference, and take two complementary approaches:

First, we use metagenomic and metabolomic assays, combined with AI, to find new genes that microbes use to evade and metabolize pollutants. 

Second, we study the stability of microbial ecosystems and how it is affected by human-made perturbations, in order to predict and prevent ecosystem collapses. We use simple experiments, sampling of natural microbial populations, and machine learning models.

We welcome curious researchers, interested in making a positive impact on the environment.