Jeffrey Marlow

Jeffrey Marlow is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Boston University, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences and the Boston University Marine Program. His research focuses on microbial communities and their metabolic activities in extreme environments, including methane seeps, hydrothermal vents, and extraterrestrial analog habitats. He develops novel microscopy and isotopic techniques to study microbe-mineral interactions and their planetary-scale impacts.

Marlow holds a PhD from the California Institute of Technology. His educational background and professional experience emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, blending microbiology, geochemistry, and astrobiology. He teaches courses such as Marine Microbial Microscopy and Microbial Ecology, integrating fieldwork, lab techniques, and policy discussions.

Research interests include astrobiology, methane cycling, and environmental microbiology. He explores how microbial metabolism shapes Earth’s ecosystems and informs strategies for detecting life beyond Earth. Notable projects involve studying microbial activity in methane seeps, volcanic fumaroles, and deep-sea sediments, with a focus on metabolic flux modeling and mineral colonization.

Marlow advocates for science communication and policy, contributing to ocean conservation efforts. His work bridges academia and public engagement, emphasizing the societal relevance of microbial research. He collaborates on initiatives like the Mars Sample Return mission and telepresence-enabled ocean exploration.