Dr S.C.M. Haaijer-Vroomen (Suzanne)

As a researcher at the department of ecological microbiology I am involved in research concerning microorganisms mediating important transformations of elements. This with a special focus on both freshwater and marine autotrophic nitrifers that mediate conversion of ammonia to nitrite and nitrate. By cultivation of these organisms in the lab from samples originating from nature and/or waste water treatment plants and development and use of molecular methods to detect these organisms in situ and in the lab, knowledge can be gained on their function and role in element cyles. Physiological knowledge of such organisms is key to understanding how these may respond to changing climate conditions.