Foto: privat
Hi everyone, my name is Petra Hribovšek and I’ve started my Postdoc position last year (I’m a bit late with my BIOnytt message) in Deep Sea Biology Research Group, led by Ida Helene Steen, associated with Centre for Deep Sea Research. Originally I come from Slovenia, but I’ve been living in Bergen for the last 9 years – some of you might already know me as I’ve been in and around BIO most of that time.
I’m a microbial ecologist and I focus on microorganisms at deep-sea hydrothermal vents, mostly working on expanding our understanding of the role of microbes in biogeochemical cycles (such as iron and methane oxidation), their metabolism, adaptations, interactions within their communities and with the environment. I combine microscopy and analysis of metagenome-assembled genomes using comparative genomics and phylogenomics, and collect samples on research cruises to the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridges.
During my PhD in the same research group, but employed at Department of Earth Science, I have focused on studying ecology and genomic diversity of iron-oxidizing bacteria at hydrothermal vents, under the supervision of Runar Stokke. I’ve previously also explored other environments ranging from acid mine drainage to fish gut microbiomes. I’ve been teaching in several courses, the main one being the lab part of General Microbiology (BIO214).
I’m also a part of the organizing committee of the relatively recently formed Bergen Bathysphere, a network of deep-sea scientists and professionals, where our main aim is to increase collaboration, knowledge-sharing and discussions on current deep-sea issues across research institutions. If it’s relevant to you, please consider joining!
Some of my key interests throughout the years have been related to the diverse world of microbes and their connection to other life forms, as well as microbiology literacy of the general public. I also want to expand my knowledge of sustainable practices and am increasingly drawn to the intersection of science and policy.
I’m happy to talk and exchange ideas, and I look forward to getting to know more people at BIO. You can find me on the 5th floor of Biologen on the B-side, in the H508 office 