One of the many research projects currently underway in the Holden Laboratory is the study of geomicrobiology of deep-sea hydrothermal vents along the Juan de Fuca Ridge in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
Dr. Holden and his research group examine the spatial distribution, metabolic processes, and growth constraints of hyperthermophilic archaea in deep-sea hydrothermal vent environments. They are also working with others to determine the overall diversity, distribution, and impact of microorganisms on hydrothermal fluids and black smoker chimneys and their relationship with the mineralogy and fluid chemistry of this environment. Primary study sites have been along the Juan de Fuca Ridge, namely the Endeavour Segment, and Axial Volcano, in the northeastern Pacific Ocean where the Holden lab has been collecting samples since 2004.
Department of Microbiology