Muruleedhara (Murulee) N Byappanahalli, PhD
I am a Staff Scientist (Research Microbiologist) with the USGS Great Lakes Science Center’s Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station in Chesterton, Indiana, conducting research in restoration and conservation biology programs, with projects in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Emerging technologies, such as eDNA, high throughput sequencing, and microbiome, are routinely used in these projects.
My research at the Great Lakes Science Center’s (GLSC) Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station (GLSC-LMERS) spans across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, focusing on restoration and conservation biology programs. Environmental microbiology and environmental genomics are key disciplines in these projects.
In previous work, I studied the distribution and population characteristics of enteric bacteria in Great Lakes watersheds (streams and riparian soils, beach sand, aquatic vegetation) and their impacts on beneficial use impairments such as water quality. I also explored the best management practices to restore these degraded waterways.
My microbial research in terrestrial programs is a collaborative effort devoted to understanding the biology of plant invasion. Specifically, I am exploring how soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) might augment or diminish this invasive process, using the Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) as a model plant species. Much of this his research is conducted in public lands within the Indiana Dunes National Park.
My research in environmental genomics, which is collaborative, brings an array of emerging technologies in support of ongoing fisheries assessment and conservation programs. I use environmental DNA (eDNA), autonomous sample processors, and high throughput sequencing (HTS) methods, including metabarcoding and shotgun sequencing, in conjunction with traditional surveys (e.g., trawling).
Recently, I have been applying eDNA and HTS tools to identify pollinator species (bees and bee communities) in grasslands from different geographical areas, by capturing eDNA left behind by pollinators visiting flowering plants. The main goal of this Ecosystem Mission Area (EMA) funded project, which involves multiple USGS Science Centers (including GLSC-LMERS), is to develop new DNA-based tools to improve existing monitoring programs for pollinators, including listed/endangered species.
Professional Experience
2001-Present: Research Microbiologist, Great Lakes Science Center, Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, Chesterton, Indiana
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. (Microbiology, 2000): University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
MS (Microbiology, 1996): University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
MSc (Agricultural Microbiology, 1982): University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, India
BSc (Agriculture, 1979): University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, India
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Washington, D.C.
Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), Madison, Wisconsin
Science and Products
Data releases by this scientist
Multimedia related to this scientist
Publications by this scientist
Sunlight, season, snowmelt, storm, and source affect E. coli populations in an artificially ponded stream
Environmental occurrence of the enterococcal surface protein (esp) gene is an unreliable indicator of human fecal contamination
An evaluation of the mobility of pathogen indicators, Escherichia coli and bacteriophage MS-2, in a highly weathered tropical soil under unsaturated conditions
Population structure of Cladophora-borne Escherichia coli in nearshore water of Lake Michigan
Incidence of the enterococcal surface protein (esp) gene in human and animal fecal sources
Seasonal persistence and population characteristics of Escherichia coli and entercocci in deep backshore sand of two freshwater beaches
Cladophora (Chlorophyta) spp. harbor human bacterial pathogens in nearshore water of Lake Michigan
Population structure, persistence, and seasonality of autochthonous Escherichia coli in temperate, coastal forest soil from a Great Lakes watershed
Examination of the watershed-wide distribution of Escherichia coli along southern Lake Michigan: An integrated approach
Occurrence and growth characteristics of Escherichia coli and enterococci within the accumulated fluid of the northern pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea L.)
Solar and temporal effects on Escherichia coli concentration at a Lake Michigan swimming beach
Indigenous soil bacteria and low moisture may limit but allow faecal bacteria to multiply and become a minor population in tropical soils
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
News about this scientist
Science and Products
Data releases by this scientist
Multimedia related to this scientist
Publications by this scientist
Sunlight, season, snowmelt, storm, and source affect E. coli populations in an artificially ponded stream
Environmental occurrence of the enterococcal surface protein (esp) gene is an unreliable indicator of human fecal contamination
An evaluation of the mobility of pathogen indicators, Escherichia coli and bacteriophage MS-2, in a highly weathered tropical soil under unsaturated conditions
Population structure of Cladophora-borne Escherichia coli in nearshore water of Lake Michigan
Incidence of the enterococcal surface protein (esp) gene in human and animal fecal sources
Seasonal persistence and population characteristics of Escherichia coli and entercocci in deep backshore sand of two freshwater beaches
Cladophora (Chlorophyta) spp. harbor human bacterial pathogens in nearshore water of Lake Michigan
Population structure, persistence, and seasonality of autochthonous Escherichia coli in temperate, coastal forest soil from a Great Lakes watershed
Examination of the watershed-wide distribution of Escherichia coli along southern Lake Michigan: An integrated approach
Occurrence and growth characteristics of Escherichia coli and enterococci within the accumulated fluid of the northern pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea L.)
Solar and temporal effects on Escherichia coli concentration at a Lake Michigan swimming beach
Indigenous soil bacteria and low moisture may limit but allow faecal bacteria to multiply and become a minor population in tropical soils
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
News about this scientist
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government