Dr. Brandi Kamermans

Postdoctoral Researcher

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I am a Postdoc and Molecular Researcher at Northwest Indian College on the Lummi main campus at the Salish Sea Research Center (SSRC). I monitor harmful algal bloom species in Bellingham and Lummi Bay using molecular techniques. I am currently working on refining qPCR methods to detect and quantify Longfin Smelt (Hoolies) in the Nooksack River and Bellingham Bay. 

Protocols for monitoring harmful algal bloom species will provide food and data sovereignty for the Lummi Nation.

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I am developing an introductory to data sovereignty and governance module. The module is part of a free online course developed by the SSRC Associate Director, Dr. Rachel Arnold. The course is part of an initiative to offer genomics education and training to students at tribal colleges.

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As a biogeochemist, I have used and become an expert in a variety of different imaging and spectroscopy tools. My most recent publication uses Raman and Scanning Electron Microscopy at the Pennsylvania State University Material Characterization Laboratory to characterize both elemental sulfur and organics produced by Sulfuricurvum kujiense, in an effort to distinguish chemical versus microbial induced mineral production.

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I also have expertise characterizing abiotic and biotic mineral precipitates in subsurface cave systems and deep-sea hydrothermal vents, using X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) and X-ray diffraction.

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My previous experience with culturing and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis has been useful in identification of microbial species in natural samples. Using three FISH probes, including one specific for Gammaproteobacteria, I imaged Thiothrix spp. in well water from Central Pennsylvania (Nims et al., 2019).

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Visit Brandi's website here:

https://www.brandicronkamermans.com/

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