Rosenberg Institute Seminar Series - Bob Bowers

Bob Bowers, Research Scientist, LBNL, Joint Genome Institute  

Applying single cell genomics to microbial communities at the JGI

Abstract: This seminar traces my journey to the DOE Joint Genome Institute, highlighting how microbial diversity has shaped my research, from algal genomics and airborne microbial ecology to lowbiomass communities and viral detection. I’ll describe my role in JGI’s singlecell and metagenome groups, including bioinformatics user support, then delve into two case studies: coniferneedle phyllosphere microbiomes and untargeted singlecell sequencing at Dewar Creek hot spring. Finally, I’ll showcase R&D on Primary Template Amplification and Atrandi SPC microfluidics for massively parallel singlecell workflows, including an upcoming application to resolve novel microbial populations across groundwater temperature and sulfur gradients at Henry Coe State Park. 

Bio: Robert (Bob) Bowers is a Research Scientist at the Joint Genome Institute (Berkeley, CA). As a microbiologist, his interests span microbial genomics and evolution, community ecology, and host–microbe interactions. His career has ranged from algal genomics and viral detection strategies for human and animal viruses to highthroughput microbial ecology leveraging cuttingedge sequencing platforms and bioinformatics. Most recently, he’s focused on singlecell approaches to recover more complete microbial genomes, including their mobile genetic elements and potential symbionts from diverse environmental samples.