Mailing address: University of Waterloo: Biology 1 – 377B, 200 University Ave. W. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1
Email: wcmr.manager@uwaterloo.ca
Phone: 519.573.3349
Office: Biology 1, room 377B, University of Waterloo
We will bring together shared computational and multi-omic infrastructure and methodology, with research themes and groups covering microbiology, genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, earth sciences, environment and ecology, as well as engineering. Researchers from all six faculties of the University of Waterloo explore, discover, and innovate through dedication, motivation, and diligence to address environmental, industrial, economic and human health challenges.
Microbes can be found across many diverse environments all around Earth. For example, Pyrolobus fumarii thrives at temperatures exceeding 100°C in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. At the other extreme, Methanogenium frigidum is found living in Antarctic lakes at temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Microbes play important roles in their respective environments. They are major players in nutrient cycling, they break down harmful chemicals found in their environments, and they form symbiotic relationships with key species. Microbes in the environment have large roles to play in global warming, waste accumulation, human health, and agriculture.
Researchers at the WCMR study interactions between microbes and their environment to better understand the lithosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. Through the use of various methodologies and principles adopted from all faculties at the University of Waterloo, researchers can use the knowledge gained from their results and apply them in the field of environmental engineering, biogeochemistry, hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental psychology and environmental microbiology.
Keywords: Agriculture, Environmental Microbiology, Nutrient Cycling, Climate Change, Bioremediation, Biofiltration, Geomicrobiology, Biodiversity, Groundwater Contamination
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Office of Indigenous Relations.