Jeff Bowman
Polar Scientist in the Spotlight
Learn about all sorts of careers that polar scientists have as we explore their different research areas through the featured Polar Scientist of the Month.
Jeff Bowman
Assistant Professor, Scripps Institute of OceanographyWhat do you do?
I’m a marine microbial ecologist. I use a variety of experimental and computational approaches to try and understand what bacteria, archaea, and phytoplankton are doing in the marine environment. This often involves using taxonomic and genetic information to infer what functions the microbial community could be carrying out.
What is the best thing about your job?
Working with a diverse groups of researchers on interesting ecological questions.
What is the most important tool you use for research?
My computer.
Why is what you do important?
Microbes control every aspect of our environment. It’s critical to know what they’re doing and how they do it!
