Muruleedhara (Murulee) N Byappanahalli, PhD
I am a Staff Scientist (Research Microbiologist) with the USGS Great Lakes Science Center’s Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station in Chesterton, Indiana, conducting research in restoration and conservation biology programs, with projects in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Emerging technologies, such as eDNA, high throughput sequencing, and microbiome, are routinely used in these projects.
My research at the Great Lakes Science Center’s (GLSC) Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station (GLSC-LMERS) spans across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, focusing on restoration and conservation biology programs. Environmental microbiology and environmental genomics are key disciplines in these projects.
In previous work, I studied the distribution and population characteristics of enteric bacteria in Great Lakes watersheds (streams and riparian soils, beach sand, aquatic vegetation) and their impacts on beneficial use impairments such as water quality. I also explored the best management practices to restore these degraded waterways.
My microbial research in terrestrial programs is a collaborative effort devoted to understanding the biology of plant invasion. Specifically, I am exploring how soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) might augment or diminish this invasive process, using the Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) as a model plant species. Much of this his research is conducted in public lands within the Indiana Dunes National Park.
My research in environmental genomics, which is collaborative, brings an array of emerging technologies in support of ongoing fisheries assessment and conservation programs. I use environmental DNA (eDNA), autonomous sample processors, and high throughput sequencing (HTS) methods, including metabarcoding and shotgun sequencing, in conjunction with traditional surveys (e.g., trawling).
Recently, I have been applying eDNA and HTS tools to identify pollinator species (bees and bee communities) in grasslands from different geographical areas, by capturing eDNA left behind by pollinators visiting flowering plants. The main goal of this Ecosystem Mission Area (EMA) funded project, which involves multiple USGS Science Centers (including GLSC-LMERS), is to develop new DNA-based tools to improve existing monitoring programs for pollinators, including listed/endangered species.
Professional Experience
2001-Present: Research Microbiologist, Great Lakes Science Center, Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, Chesterton, Indiana
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. (Microbiology, 2000): University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
MS (Microbiology, 1996): University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
MSc (Agricultural Microbiology, 1982): University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, India
BSc (Agriculture, 1979): University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, India
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Washington, D.C.
Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), Madison, Wisconsin
Science and Products
Data releases by this scientist
Multimedia related to this scientist
Publications by this scientist
Enterococcus phages as potential tool for identifying sewage inputs in the Great Lakes region
Beach science in the Great Lakes
Detection limits and cost comparisons of human- and gull-associated conventional and quantitative PCR assays in artificial and environmental waters
Probabilistic analysis showing that a combination of bacteroides and methanobrevibacter source tracking markers is effective for identifying waters contaminated by human fecal pollution
Multi-laboratory evaluations of the performance of Catellicoccus marimammalium PCR assays developed to target gull fecal sources
Performance of human fecal anaerobe-associated PCR-based assays in a multi-laboratory method evaluation study
Association of toxin-producing Clostridium botulinum with the macroalga Cladophora in the Great Lakes
Choices in recreational water quality monitoring: new opportunities and health risk trade-offs
Notable decomposition products of senescing Lake Michigan Cladophora glomerata
Evidence for occurrence, persistence, and growth potential of Escherichia coli and enterococci in Hawaii’s soil environments
The population structure of Escherichia coli isolated from subtropical and temperate soils
Enterococci in the environment
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
News about this scientist
Science and Products
Data releases by this scientist
Multimedia related to this scientist
Publications by this scientist
Enterococcus phages as potential tool for identifying sewage inputs in the Great Lakes region
Beach science in the Great Lakes
Detection limits and cost comparisons of human- and gull-associated conventional and quantitative PCR assays in artificial and environmental waters
Probabilistic analysis showing that a combination of bacteroides and methanobrevibacter source tracking markers is effective for identifying waters contaminated by human fecal pollution
Multi-laboratory evaluations of the performance of Catellicoccus marimammalium PCR assays developed to target gull fecal sources
Performance of human fecal anaerobe-associated PCR-based assays in a multi-laboratory method evaluation study
Association of toxin-producing Clostridium botulinum with the macroalga Cladophora in the Great Lakes
Choices in recreational water quality monitoring: new opportunities and health risk trade-offs
Notable decomposition products of senescing Lake Michigan Cladophora glomerata
Evidence for occurrence, persistence, and growth potential of Escherichia coli and enterococci in Hawaii’s soil environments
The population structure of Escherichia coli isolated from subtropical and temperate soils
Enterococci in the environment
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
News about this scientist
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government