DoctorJean Power

My research investigates the microbial ecology and biogeography of geothermal springs, using both culture-dependent (isolating and culturing microorganisms) and -independent (DNA sequencing and bioinformatics) techniques. My current focus as a Rutherford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow is using shotgun metagenomics (whole genome sequencing of an environment) to study microbial communities in extreme habitats.

My PhD study involved sampling over 1,000 geothermal ecosystems from the Taupō Volcanic Zone, Aotearoa-New Zealand for the 1,000 Springs Project (https://1000springs.org.nz/). This work lead to the first evidence globally of an endemic microbial genus, Venenivibrio, which significantly expanded our knowledge on microbial diversification and evolution. I developed extensive relationships with Māori collaborators during this field work campaign and continue to work in partnership with mana whenua whom are kaitiaki of geothermal areas within the rohe of iwi.