Principal Investigator
Alfred M. Spormann
Dept/Org: Chemical Engineering and Civil & Environmental Engineering
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Post-Docs and Staff Scientists
Joerg Deutzmann
Dept/Org: Civil & Environmental Engineering
Staff Scientist, Joined lab: October, 2012
jdeutzma@stanford.edu
I have a broad interest in microbiology and like to answer fundamental microbiological questions as well as apply microbiology to address environmental issues. To date, my research has been all about the microbiological turnover of greenhouse gases. During my doctoral thesis at the University of Konstanz, I investigated the microbial pathways involved in methane oxidation in lake sediments and the ecology of the microbes that thereby prevent the emission of vast amounts of this greenhouse gas. Now, I study the fundamental pathways involved in microbial electrosynthesis and seek to develop improved electrosynthesis methods. If you are interested in anything I do feel free to contact me or drop by.
Franziska Maria Mueller
Dept/Org: Civil & Environmental Engineering
Postdoc, Joined lab: February 2022
fmm@stanford.edu
I am fascinated by the broad metabolic repertoire of bacteria and the resulting possibilities for biotechnological applications. I want to understand how the different metabolic pathways work and interact on a cell level as well as in entire ecosystems. During my PhD at the University of Muenster, I focused on bacterial steroid metabolism to elucidate steroid degradation in soils including the mechanisms of the pathways and the effects on other organisms. Now, I am focusing on the metabolism of a thermophilic acetogenic bacterium on a systems level in order to understand how these organisms adapt to different substrate availabilities and thus growth rates. Because this model bacterium and similar organisms are promising candidates for using CO2 to produce multi-carbon compounds, this topic also has biotechnological relevance. Besides my research, I enjoy ballroom dancing as well as being outside.
Johannes Eberhard Reiner
Dept/Org: NNF CORC
Postdoc, Joined lab: April 2023
jer@corc.au.dk
I am passionate about bridging the gap between fundamental microbiology research and future biotechnological applications. During my doctoral thesis at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, I was investigating cathodic biofilms and I was always on the lookout for novel extremophilic microorganisms for the biotechnological conversion of carbon dioxide. Complementing this, we have developed new reactor concepts to help us better understand electroactive biofilms using non-invasive methods. Beyond my research activities, I’m interested in art and design history, and I enjoy fixing up and playing vintage music gear.
Graduate Students
Jenna Ahn
Dept/Org: Chemical Engineering
Ph.D. Student, Joined lab: March 2021
jennaahn@stanford.edu
My research goal is to leverage the power of microbiology against environmental challenges. I’m interested in microbial metabolisms concerning the conversion of carbon dioxide to reusable products, namely chain elongation. Beyond research, I like to spend time doing yoga, playing piano, and staying caught up on pop culture.
Grace Callander
Dept/Org: Chemical Engineering
Ph.D. Student, Joined lab: March 2021
gcalland@stanford.edu
I am interested in microbial ecology and metabolism for applications in the circular economy. I am also fascinated by interfaces of living and non-living systems, which I study via microbial electrosynthesis. Outside of lab, I enjoy spending time in the sun, reading, and exploring the Bay Area.
Lisa Klimper
Dept/Org: NNF CORC
PhD Student, Joined lab: May 2022
lk@corc.au.dk
As a part of the newly established Spormann lab in Aarhus, Denmark, I am eager to gain more insights into microbial metabolisms and merge this with my expertise as an enzyme biochemist. My research focuses on CO2 conversion to carbon chains using enzymatic and microbial platforms. I am committed to exploring sustainable solutions and discovering how we can utilize CO2 as a valuable resource.
When not in the lab, I enjoy kayaking, swimming, reading, and gaming.