Online general meeting and a meeting presentation.
Presentation: “Into the Depths: Exploring Microbial Life in Caves”
Nayeli Luis
This 40-minute talk offers a behind-the-scenes look at the unique challenges and discoveries involved in collecting biological samples from cave environments to perform environmental microbiology studies. The presentation will explore how microbiologists plan and conduct fieldwork in these subterranean systems. From organizing equipment and sampling designs to conducting DNA analyses, Nayeli will share her fieldwork experiences and explain how these efforts help uncover the invisible yet vital microbial communities thriving in caves. The talk will cover practical aspects of expedition planning, environmental measurements, and (a little bit) the ecological significance of these microorganisms in hidden underground ecosystems.
M. Nayeli Luis-Vargas is a PhD candidate at La Trobe University, where she studies microbial ecology in extreme environments. Her research focuses on the biogeochemical roles of microbial communities in Australian caves, particularly how these microorganisms can impact surface systems. Passionate about both science and storytelling, Nayeli enjoys sharing the fascinating world of cave microbiology with a broader audience.