About BROADN
The four major research themes of the project (characterization, disturbances, emissions, and mechanisms) represent a systematic and interdependent approach to fill the major knowledge gaps articulated in our science questions. The health of our civilization depends on the environment, including the aerobiome. BROADN will develop essential understanding to drive solutions to societal concerns involving the aerobiome and its linkages to the broader ecosystem.
During the past several decades, CSU researchers have studied the microbiome of soils, plants, animals, and humans, but microbial life found in the atmosphere is understudied. The BROADN research team will investigate how the aerobiome is altered by environmental stresses such as weather patterns, seasons, drought, agriculture and fire.
Research will drive solutions to airborne transmission of animal and plant pathogens and will foster understanding of the role of the aerobiome in preserving ecosystem health.
The health of animals, plants, humans and the environment is undoubtedly dependent upon the function of this invisible community. This project supports a unique interdisciplinary research and training program for the next generation of biological scientists and has potentially transformational implications for understanding weather patterns, disease spread, microbial ecology, the environment and health of humans and animals.
Sue VandeWoude, principal investigator for the project, director of the One Health Institute and a University Distinguished Professor at CSU
