Feng Chen

• Viral ecology and virus-host interaction
• Microbial oceanography and biogeography
• Microbial omics and meta-omics (DNA, mRNA, and protein)
• Algal physiology and biotechnology

Dr. Feng Chen’s main research focuses on the diversity and function of microorganisms (mainly viruses, bacteria, cyanobacteria and microalgae) and their ecological role in the marine ecosystem. He applies both traditional cultivation methods and advanced
molecular and omics technologies to discover novel microbes and understand their physiology, ecology and evolution. He also develops algae-based biotechnology as a solution for sustainable environments and renewable energy. His studies on the Chesapeake Bay microbiota have led to discoveries of novel microbes in the estuarine environment.

Specific research interests:

• Marine viruses: isolation, physiology, biogeography, genomics, and metagenomics of viruses in aquatic environments
• Phage-host interactions: focus on two model systems (cyanobacteria and cyanophage; Roseobacter and roseophage); evolution of viruses and their hosts, gene transfer agent (GTA)
• Molecular microbial ecology: application of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to explore the diversity and functions of lab microbes and microbes in nature.
• Microalgal biotechnology: isolation and characterization of microalgae from diverse habitats; selection of microalgae for high CO2 uptake, plant growth promotion, removal of nutrients from animal wastes, and other specific uses.