Eric Webb

Eric Webb is a Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC). He holds a Ph.D. in Bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1999) and a B.S. in Microbiology from The Ohio State University (1994). His postdoctoral training includes work at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (1999–2001). Before joining USC, he held positions at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, including Assistant Scientist (2001–2006) and Associate Scientist without Tenure (2006). At USC, he advanced from Assistant Professor (2006–2011) to Associate Professor (2011–present) and ultimately full Professor.

His research focuses on marine cyanobacterial physiology, ecology, and genomics, with emphasis on iron (Fe) scavenging strategies, nutrient limitation, and microbial interactions. Key topics include Fe acquisition mechanisms in cyanobacteria like Trichodesmium and Crocosphaera, molecular diagnostics of nutrient stress, and the role of heterotrophic bacteria in Fe cycling. His work integrates biochemical, genetic, and genomic approaches to understand global biogeochemical processes.

Webb has led collaborative projects on nitrogen fixation dynamics, climate change impacts, and the biogeography of diazotrophs. His lab’s studies on microbial community interactions and metabolite production have advanced understanding of oceanic nutrient cycles and ecosystem health. He serves on editorial boards for journals like Environmental Microbiology Reports and ISME Journal.

His research also addresses emerging environmental issues, such as metal contamination in coastal waters and the role of B vitamins in marine systems. Webb’s interdisciplinary approach bridges microbiology, oceanography, and genomics, making significant contributions to marine biogeochemistry.