Research

How microbes transform chemicals

The Yu Research Group studies chemical–microbe interactions across natural, engineered, and host-associated ecosystems. We connect environmental analytical chemistry with functional microbiology to reveal mechanisms—and to design safer chemicals and sustainable technologies.

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Chemical fate & ecological impact

01 · Detect

Trace chemicals, transformation products, and ecological effects across environmental and human-associated systems.

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Microbial mechanisms of biotransformation

02 · Decode

Identify the microorganisms, genes, enzymes, and pathways that connect community function to reaction chemistry.

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Designing precision biosolutions

03 · Design

Translate molecular insight into bioaugmentation cultures, biocatalysts, biosensors, safer and more sustainable chemicals, and models that predict chemical fate across environments.

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Art in Science

A visual record of how our science evolves.

Logo Generation One · January 2026
Designed at the lab’s launch, Generation One brings environmental microbiology and analytical chemistry together around a shared idea: transformation. Future generations will evolve with our questions, methods, and community.