Sean K Bay

Dr. Sean K Bay, a microbial ecologist and DECRA fellow at SABE La Trobe University whose research focuses on understanding how life persists in extreme environments. Dr. Bay's research explores the unique abilities of soil bacteria to enter dormant states and scavenge atmospheric trace gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane, which enhances their survival and growth in extreme environments, such as deserts, volcanoes, glaciers, and caves. He uses a blend of genomic, bioinformatic, biogeochemical, and spatial ecology approaches to unveil the biochemical basis and ecological significance of atmospheric trace-gas cycling processes. His current DECRA research focuses on investigating the microbial diversity, metabolic capabilities, and chemosynthetic primary production strategies of subsurface ecosystems found in karst and volcanic caves. Dr. Bay's research provides valuable insights into the microbial regulation of climate-relevant atmospheric gases and is particularly important in the context of climate risks, such as desertification, biodiversity loss, and pollution. His work sheds light on the minimal requirements for life and the intricate relationship between microbial life and the environment, paving the way for innovative solutions to address climate change and environmental challenges. Dr Sean K Bay completed his PhD at Monash University in 2020, under the guidance of Professor Chris Greening, researching the community structure and energetic basis of soil microbial diversity. He then joined Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), a Special Research Initiative by the Australian Research Council (ARC) in 2021, as a postdoctoral researcher. Under the supervision of Professor Steven L Chown he expanded his work on trace gases in cave ecosystems, building on his previous expertise in studying the survival mechanisms of microorganisms in extreme environments.