Academic History: 

Ph.D. 2005, MIT and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
M.S. 1999, Stanford University
B.S. 1998, Stanford University

Research Interests: 

We are interested in understanding the relationship between the structure of microbial communities and their function. We are employing the tools of molecular biology, genomics, and genetics to identify the components of microbial communities, and to study their dynamics, interactions, and organization. Linking the activities of microbes to their genomic content and population structure is a critical step towards manipulating microbial systems for human benefit, be it pollution degradation or protection against pathogens.

Teaching Interests

• 1.083 - Environmental Health Engineering
• 1.89 - Environmental Microbiology

Contact Information:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Parsons Laboratory, Room 48-331
15 Vassar Street Cambridge, MA, 02139

Telephone: 617.324.5268
E-mail: jthompson at mit.edu