Click on the picture to the right for the symposium schedule and more details (PDF format).

A Mini-symposium Organized by the
Agouron Geobiology Course

Course Instructors: Kurt Hanselmann (U. Zurich), Dianne Newman (Caltech), Ken Nealson (USC), Gary Olsen (U. Ill.), Tom Schmidt (MSU)

Held at the
University of Southern California Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies,
Wrigley Marine Science Center, Catalina Island, CA
Saturday, August 3, 2002

Ever since the late 1600's when Anthony van Leeuwenhoek observed samples from the scurf of his teeth under the microscope, it has been obvious to microbiologists that solid surfaces are a welcome home for bacteria. If a sterile glass slide is left in any water body, it becomes entirely covered by microorganisms within a few days. For geobiologists, this intimate association between bacteria and surfaces is particularly important when microbes attach to and transform minerals. Indeed, microbes are known to play an important role in the weathering of rocks near the surface and perhaps even at depth. This symposium will feature presentations by speakers whose research pertains to how microbial communities operate, ranging from the molecular details of how they interact with one another and/or with mineral surfaces, to how they affect the chemistry of their environment(s).

You are invited to attend this symposium and are kindly asked to confirm your participation by email to the course coordinator, Ann Close (close@usc.edu). Mainland-Catalina travel expenses will be covered courtesy of the course sponsors. Send an email to receive detailed registration instructions. As space allows, visitors are welcome to spend the night at the Wrigley Lab or Two Harbors. Space is very limited - your rapid response to this announcement assures your reservation.

If you have any questions, please contact: