Research

To investigate the structure and function of the aerobiome, and how the aerobiome interacts with terrestrial ecosystems, BROADN research will follow four intersecting themes to address the question:

What is the structure and function of the aerobiome, and how does it interact with terrestrial ecosystems?

Theme 1

What microscopic organisms make up the aerobiome, and how do they vary over time and space?

Where does the life in the aerobiome come from, and how does composition respond to disturbances?

Theme 2
Theme 3

What physical and biological properties govern the movement of microscopic organisms between terrestrial reservoirs and the aerobiome?

Which traits allow microscopic organisms to become aerosolized, transported, and result in ecosystem impacts?

Theme 4