PhD Candidate

Phillip’s research focuses on understanding the ecophysiology of soil Acidobacteriota across different soil habitats. The study aims to investigate whether the pangenomes of Acidobacteriota, derived from geographically dispersed yet physically similar soil ecosystems, share genetic features that indicate general adaptations to those environments. Additionally, the study seeks to determine whether adaptation to various local conditions, resources, and environmental pressures leads to the development of unique, endemic gene sets in different soil habitats. By examining the physiological characteristics that enable Acidobacteriota to thrive and dominate in diverse soil ecosystems, this research will contribute to our understanding of their adaptation strategies.