Dr. Huang Microbial Ecology Lab
Our Research
With the vast functional and metabolic diversity, microorganisms are integral to all the earth’s ecosystems; however, they change constantly throughout time and space. Meanwhile, the intensive human activities and global climate changes pose great challenges and complications for the understanding of their dynamics and the quantification of their roles in contributing to ecosystem functions and health. Hence, my research has aimed to explore the roles that microorganisms play in adapting to and mitigation of global changes. using the combination of classical techniques (qPCR, amplicon sequence, isotopes), state-of-the-art omics (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metabolomics), and bioinformatic tools (high-performance computing, Python, snakemake, R program).
To be specific, my research is in the interface among Microbial Ecology, Bioinformatics, and Environmental/Soil Science in the changing world, and spans two directions:
(1) Community/restoration ecology--an assembly of the soil microbiome in diverse ecosystems and their response (resistance and resilience) to the changing environments;
(2) Microbial evolution and diversification--evolution and diversification of microbiome related to nitrifiers and denitrifiers, and their controls on global nitrogen cycling and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the links to soil fertility and health.
Meet The Team
Laibin Huang (Principal Investigator)
I love microbes in different environments and the research related to how they adapt to environmental changes and control global N cycling and greenhouse gas emissions.
EDUCATION
2013-2017 Ph.D. in Microbial Ecology University of Florida, USA
2009-2012 M.S. in Environmental Ecology Beijing Normal University, China
2005-2009 B.S. in Ecology University of Science and Technology Beijing, China
Email: laibin.huang@slu.edu CV
Zhine Wang (Postdoc)
I am interested in soil microbes, given their critical roles in soil biogeochemical processes. My research focuses on how anthropogenic activities disturb the soil microbial communities and their functional traits. Understanding soil microbes is essential for leveraging their ecosystem services to improve soil health and agricultural production.
EDUCATION
2021-2024 Ph.D. in Plant and Environmental Science Clemson University, USA 2018-2020 M.S. in Forestry and Natural Resource Management University of Georgia, USA
2013-2017 B.S. in Environmental Sciences Southwest University, China
Email: zhine.wang@slu.edu
Chushu (Maxon) Gao (PhD student)
I’m fascinated by how microbes respond to agricultural practices and our rapidly changing environment. Becoming an ecologist while making science accessible and enjoyable for the public has always been my goal. Outside of the lab, I enjoy birdwatching and am a big fan of Fallout.
EDUCATION
2025-Present Ph.D. Student in Microbial Ecology Saint Louis University, USA
2021-2025 B.S. in Ecology Guangxi University, China
Email: maxon.gao@slu.edu
Poonam Karki (PhD student)
I am interested in understanding how microbial communities respond to agricultural management and changing environmental conditions across agricultural and natural ecosystems, and how these responses influence nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and ecosystem functioning. My Ph.D. training is expanding this work through molecular and computational approaches, including qPCR, microbial community analysis, and omics-based techniques.
EDUCATION
2025-Present Ph.D. Student in Microbial Ecology Saint Louis University, USA
2022-2024 M.S. in Agriculture Lincoln University of Missouri, USA
2016-2020 B.S. in Agriculture Purbanchal University, Nepal
Email: poonam.karki@slu.edu
LAb alumni
Sabita Ghimire (Postdoc)
My research interests are focused on environmental microbial diversity and the physiological activities of environmental microbes. My Ph.D. research focused on the ecophysiological characterization of ammonia-oxidizing microbes. I also acquired expertise in identifying microbes through molecular tools like PCR, cloning, and Sanger sequencing. In addition, I experienced shotgun sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.
EDUCATION
2023 Ph.D. in Microbiology Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
2016 M.S. in Microbiology Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
2011 B.S. in Microbiology Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: sabita.ghimire@slu.edu
Nikky Omole-Ohonsi (PhD student)
Microbiology has always fascinated me, drawing me into the world of these seemingly “invisible organisms” and their profound impacts on our world. This passion led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, where I researched characterizing microbial communities found in cassava roots and their impact on human health. Currently, I am focused on nitrogen fixation dynamics in corn and soybean cropping systems in St. Louis, Missouri. Using molecular analyses, I examine the differences in nitrogen fixation rates and the abundance of nitrogen-fixing genes (nifH) in these two cropping systems. Other than research, I enjoy movies, dancing, and exploring new places with friends.
EDUCATION
2024-2026 M.S. in Microbial Ecology Saint Louis University, USA
2015-2019 B.S. in Microbiology University of Lagos, Nigeria
Email: ebun.omoleohonsi@slu.edu
Muni Sai Ganesh (Grad student-intern)
I'm a master's student in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology at Saint Louis University, USA. My background is in Agricultural Sciences from ANGRAU, India. I'm passionate about using computational methods to promote organic farming and reduce pesticide and fertilizer use. My research focuses on applying bioinformatics to sustainable agriculture challenges.
EDUCATION
2023 - 2025 M.S. Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Saint Louis University, USA
2018 - 2022 B.S. Agricultural Sciences, ANGRAU, India
Email: munisaiganesh.perala@slu.edu
Hannah Hellmeier (Undergrad student)
Hi, I am a junior here at Saint Louis University studying Spanish and Forensic Science on the Pre-med track. I am passionate about the environment and am on the e-board for Ecology Club and Green Billikens. I enjoy learning about how humans and climate change are impacting the environment at the microbial and microscopic levels, and I look forward to researching the relationship between the two. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and watching The Big Bang Theory.
EDUCATION
2020-2025 B.S. in Environmental Science (Pre-Med Track) Saint Louis University, USA
Email: hannah.hellmeier@slu.edu