Jillian F. Banfield

My research involves study of the interactions between microorganisms and minerals and the impact of microorganisms on mineral weathering and crystal growth. Specific topics of current interest include microbial controls on mineral dissolution reactions and the roles of microorganisms in geochemical cycling of nutrients and metals. Molecular methods, including community genomics and proteomics, are used to understand how microorganisms function as members of constoria in their natural settings. I am also interested in microbial adaptation and evolution. Other current research focuses on the thermodynamics and kinetic behavior of nanocrystalline materials produced by biomineralization and mineral weathering (structure, phase stability, crystal growth kinetics, morphology evolution, and microstructure development).