Zac Cooper

I studied Biology at the University of Georgia where I gained research experience in the genetic engineering of hyperthermophilic archaea for biofuel production. My research interest lies with understanding the molecular level adaptations of extremophiles to their environments. This interest led me to join the Deming lab in the School of Oceanography where I now research psychrophilic bacteria and their interactions with viruses in sea ice environments. I would like to use my knowledge of extremophile biology to help understand the conditions that allow for potential extraterrestrial origins of life and to help aid in the search for microbial life outside of Earth. Also, one of my office mates is a gecko.