Dr. Bay is an environmental microbiologist, lecturer and ARC DECRA fellow. He heads The Bay Group at La Trobe University, Melbourne. Dr. Bay's pioneering research focuses on how soil bacteria utilize atmospheric trace gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane to survive in energy-limited ecosystems, including deserts, glaciers, and caves. He earned his PhD from Monash University in 2020, investigating soil microbial diversity under the mentorship of Professor Chris Greening. Dr. Bay gained post-doctoral experience with a position at Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future (SAEF). Since early 2023, Dr. Bay has taken a position as lecturer and independent research fellow, established his research group. His research is widely published in leading journals and backed by competitive grants.

​

Outside the lab he loves the outdoors, caving, surfing, spending time with family and being a dad.

Nayeli is a PhD student exploring the biogeochemical basis of microbes in Australian caves and their ecological interactions with surface environments.

Nayeli completed her BSc. and MSc. degrees at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Since the beginning of her academic journey, she has been passionate about understanding life and its ecological processes in extreme environments.

She has always enjoyed the challenge of learning and integrating new and diverse knowledge to tell a good story.

 

Outside the lab she enjoys art, reading, and cycling for hours. 

Phil’s fascination with microbes developed during his career as a sourdough baker. With a headful of questions, he enrolled into a Bachelor of Science at La Trobe University, majoring in microbiology and botany. Phil first became hooked on microbial ecology after attending a lecture on slime moulds solving mazes.  Having just completed a research placement with The Bay Group investigating the microbial ecology of moonmilk and lava tubes, Phil will be commencing an Honours project with the lab in 2025.

 

Outside of study, Phil can often be found bushwalking, playing guitar, or teaching sourdough classes. 

 Aliza is a MSc. student exploring the interaction of cave bacteria, bacteriophage, and fungi. Aliza completed her BSc. (Hons.) degree at La Trobe University Bundoora with Dr Jen Wood, investigating microbial bio-indicators of the spider microbiome. Driven by her love of the natural world, the potential of microbes has always fascinated Aliza. She thrives in a collaborative scientific setting and has always enjoyed conducting experiments in the lab.

​

Outside the lab, she enjoys art, sports and caring for her two whippets.