Martina Dal Bello
Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
I am a microbial community ecologist and my main interest is understanding how the environment shapes the structure of microbial communities. During my PhD at the University of Pisa, I worked under the supervision of Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi, investigating the impacts of pulse perturbations and the occurrence of regime shifts in microbial biofilms and algal forests of intertidal habitats. After working in the field with natural communities, I decided to learn to perform experiments in the lab and I joined Jeff Gore's group at MIT as a postdoc. My postdoctoral research focused on dissecting the effects of temperature and nutrient availability on the diversity and structure of microbial communities. I am fascinated by the possibility of harnessing metabolic principles and structures to understand how bacterial communities assemble and function in diverse environmental conditions.
When I am not playing with bugs, I like to spend time on the beach (mainly inside the water), drawing, gardening, and teasing my cat Phoebe (and/or my husband Bartolomeo Stellato).
Zahraa Al-Tameemi
Postdoctoral Associate
I am a postdoctoral associate working on the evolution of microbial anticipation of environmental variability. During my PhD at UC Irvine, I studied how cross-feeding interactions shape the selective pressures experienced by bacteria and affect their within-species diversity under the supervision of Dr. Alejandra Rodríguez-Verdugo. My broad research interest is in microbial evolutionary ecology, specifically, to understand, predict, and manipulate microbial community functions in natural and synthetic environments. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cycling, woodcarving, playing videogames, and practicing my oud.
Jojo Prentice
PhD Student, EEB
I am graduate student in the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology program. I am fascinated by two general problems: 1) how community and ecosystem properties like diversity, stability, and trophic organization transform across scales of space, time, and functional aggregation, and 2) whether and how processes operating at these different scales canalize and react to individual-level evolution. When not thinking about science, I enjoy a variety of activities, including running, climbing, cooking, and playing Go.
Aabi Whyte-Spence
Undergraduate
I am a rising junior at Yale University majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. While my experience in ecology so far has been limited to plants (particularly how they respond to environmental stressors), environmental microbiology is a growing interest of mine. I think current research into how microbes interact with the carbon sources in their environments has interesting implications for carbon emissions and their overarching ecological impacts. Outside of the lab, I spend my time trying new restaurants in New Haven, working on theater productions, and knitting.
Alex Durt
Undergraduate
I am a junior in Yale College studying Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. I am specifically interested in mathematical and theoretical biology, as well as all the ways that bacteria and phages impact the modern world. I am originally from New York City, the best place on earth. Outside of the lab, I am involved in Yale radio and the Yale Hunger and Homelessness Action Project, and like to knit, watch films, read, write, and cook.
Phoebe
Lab CATalyst
I provide essential moral support, quality control for all manuscripts, and ensure the lab maintains a healthy work-life balance by demanding regular petting breaks.