The Simpson Lab

• Evolution of eukaryotic microbes
• Protistology
• Free-living protozoa
• Molecular phylogenetics and evolution
• Electron microscopy

Eukaryotic microbes make up a major part of the diversity of life on Earth. Collectively they are of profound ecological and evolutionary importance, however most groups of eukaryotic microbes are very poorly understood, especially if they are free-living ‘protozoa’ (i.e. heterotrophs).

Much of our work focusses on overlooked protozoa of particular evolutionary importance, and what they tell us about the deepest history of eukaryotic cells. We also examine the diversity of free-living protozoa in unusual environments (anoxic systems; extremely hypersaline environments), as well as ecologically important forms from sediments. Some recent work focuses on the detection and characterisation of protozoa that are symbionts or parasites of marine invertebrates and algae.

Supporting agencies & programs

• Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIfAR), Program in Integrated Microbial Biodiversity
• NSERC – operating Funds (Discovery Grants Program)
• Tula Foundation (through CGEB)
• Canadian Fund for Innovation (CFI)