Dr. Trista Vick-Majors
Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Tech
Curriculum vitae | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | ORCID | Twitter
I am a microbial ecologist who studies how microorganisms interact with biogeochemical cycles. Microbially-mediated transformations of elements are integral to aquatic ecosystem function, yet little is known about the controls on microbial activity. My research interests focus on the activities and energetics of microbial metabolism in aquatic environments, especially those that are energy-limited. I am also interested in microbial ecosystem-level responses to change, both within the context of seasonal cycles (e.g. lake ice-on and ice-off) and incremental and acute changes related to land-use or climate change.
I teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, and Limnology.
Graduate Students
Maci Quintanilla, Ph.D. Student, Biological Sciences
I joined Dr. Vick-Majors’ lab in the fall of 2020 after completing my Master’s in the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University located in Towson, MD. Entering my Master’s program, my goal was to continue my studies in biology and gain a more substantial background. My interest in microbial ecology started after taking an Arctic microbiology course at the University Centre in Svalbard, the northernmost university in the world. This course fed my curiosity and left me wanting to explore this exciting field even more. My goal as a PhD student at Michigan Tech is to research the role that microbes play in biogeochemical processes by using molecular techniques and conventional microbiology. I’m particularly interested in understanding these ecosystems in aquatic systems and the cryosphere.
I am passionate scientist who understands the importance of interdisciplinary research. I am grateful to be a part of a lab that is committed to creating an open, inclusive, and fun lab environment. I believe that connecting with one another is critical when working in teams and communicating science effectively, as well as facilitating creativity and new ideas.
I joined Dr. Vick-Majors’ lab in the fall of 2020 after completing my Master’s in the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University located in Towson, MD. Entering my Master’s program, my goal was to continue my studies in biology and gain a more substantial background. My interest in microbial ecology started after taking an Arctic microbiology course at the University Centre in Svalbard, the northernmost university in the world. This course fed my curiosity and left me wanting to explore this exciting field even more. My goal as a PhD student at Michigan Tech is to research the role that microbes play in biogeochemical processes by using molecular techniques and conventional microbiology. I’m particularly interested in understanding these ecosystems in aquatic systems and the cryosphere.
I am passionate scientist who understands the importance of interdisciplinary research. I am grateful to be a part of a lab that is committed to creating an open, inclusive, and fun lab environment. I believe that connecting with one another is critical when working in teams and communicating science effectively, as well as facilitating creativity and new ideas.
Vanessa Cubillos Tellez, M.S. Student, Biological Sciences
Undergraduate Students
Alayna Merten, Statistics, Michigan Tech
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Aleksander Milosevic, Biological Sciences, Michigan Tech
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Melia Austin, Biological Sciences, Michigan Tech
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Ethan Miller, Biological Sciences, Michigan Tech
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Lab Alums
Andrew Jazdyzk, Undergraduate Researcher, Biological Sciences
Lydia Nicholas, Undergraduate Researcher, Biological Sciences
Alex Baker, Research Assistant, Biological Sciences
Vanessa Cubillos Tellez, Undergraduate Researcher, Biological Sciences
Mady Sherman, Michigan Tech Undergraduate Research Internship Program