Bill Holben, Ph.D.
Position
Professor, Microbial Ecology Program,
Division of Biological Sciences
Ph.D
Ph.D. Cell and Molecular Biology,
State University of New York at Buffalo, NY. 1985
MS/MA
M.S. Cell and Molecular Biology,
State University of New York at Buffalo, NY. 1982
BA/BS
B.S. Biology, State University of New York at Fredonia, Fredonia, NY. 1978, Charlottesville, VA
CV
Webpage
Lab Page
Current Research
My research interests and expertise are in the areas of molecular microbial ecology, molecular genetics, and environmental microbiology. I am primarily interested in assessing community-level responses and interactions between microbes, other trophic levels, and the environment. Relevant current and emerging projects include using microflora as markers for biogeographical analysis of animal populations, determining the microbial community composition and ecology of animal gastrointestinal (GI) tracts, and ecophysiological studies of animals to assess effects of diet, behavior, disease, and other parameters on GI microflora (and vice versa). My group is also involved in a number of related research topics including linking bacterial community structure, function, activity and diversity in metal-contaminated and pristine river sediment systems; exploring the role of the soil microbial community in the success of invasive weeds; examining the role of charcoal from forest fires in controlling the distribution and activity of nitrifying bacteria in forest soils; and assessing the fate and transport of microbes in the environment. Our recent research has striven to integrate robust statistical and modeling components to effectively interpret large and often complex data sets derived from molecular analysis of microbial community responses to a variety of parameters. Many projects in the lab cross disciplinary boundaries, uniting aspects of microbial ecology with animal physiology and pathology, biogeochemistry, population ecology, plant ecology, and other areas.
Recent Publications
Callaway, R.M., G.C. Thelen, A. Rodriguez, and W.E. Holben. 2004. Soil biota and exotic plant invasion. Nature 427:731-733.
Holben, W.E. , K.P. Feris, A. Kettunen, and J.H. Apajalahti. 2004. GC fractionation enhances microbial community diversity assessment and detection of minority populations of bacteria by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70:2263-2270.
Holben W.E. , P. Williams, M. Saarinen, L.K. Sarkilahti, and J.H. Apajalahti. 2002. Phylogenetic analysis of intestinal microflora indicates a novel Mycoplasma phylotype in farmed and wild salmon. Microb Ecol. 44:175-85.
Apajalahti J.H., H. Kettunen, A. Kettunen, W.E. Holben, P.H. Nurminen, N. Rautonen, and M. Mutanen. 2002. Culture-independent microbial community analysis reveals that inulin in the diet primarily affects previously unknown bacteria in the mouse cecum. Appl Environ. Microbiol. 68:4986-4995.
Apajalahti J.H., A. Kettunen, M.R. Bedford, and W.E. Holben. 2001. Percent G+C profiling accurately reveals diet-related differences in the gastrointestinal microbial community of broiler chickens. Appl Environ Microbiol. 67:5656-5667.
