Maia El Zahab

MSc Microbiology, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg
BSc Biology: Earth and Life Sciences, Lebanese University

I am a doctoral researcher investigating the complex world of marine microbes. These microorganisms have inhabited Earth for billions of years, adapting to its changing conditions with remarkable resilience. Today, they are an indispensable part of ecosystems worldwide, particularly in the oceans. Despite their significance, much remains unknown, especially about how they function as communities.
I focus on studying them in their ecological context, rather than as isolated entities, to understand their behavior better. To do so, I am eager to explore different cultivation methods, such as model communities, and integrate bioinformatic approaches into my research.

After all, some microbes seem to be better at choosing their companions than we are.