University of Memphis · BiologyOyster Microbiome Research Lab
Rachel E Diner · Memphis, Tennessee
Research Focus
Dr. Rachel E Diner's lab studies how the microbiome of oysters affects their accumulation of environmental contaminants and pathogens. By understanding the role of these microbial communities, the lab aims to improve seafood safety and public health, particularly in coastal areas where oysters are harvested. The research also involves mentoring undergraduate students, providing them with hands-on experience in the field of biomedical research.
oyster microbiomeenvironmental contaminantsseafood safetyVibrio pathogenspolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Research Aims
4AIM 01Determine how microbiome disturbance affects phenanthrene levels in oysters.
AIM 02Characterize how microbiome disturbance influences concentrations of Vibrio vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus.
AIM 03Investigate the protective role of the oyster microbiome against contaminants.
AIM 04Assess microbial diversity in relation to oyster health and contaminant accumulation.
Skills the Lab Values
16S rRNA gene sequencingantibiotic-induced microbiome perturbationcontaminant quantificationpathogen quantificationoyster physiological stress assays
Output against the department
Publications32bottom 4% of dept.986th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.5kbottom 10% of dept.933rd of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.