Daniel Colman

Dr. Daniel Colman is an Assistant Research Professor at Montana State University, affiliated with the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology within the College of Agriculture. His research focuses on environmental microbiology, microbial biodiversity, and extremophile adaptations, particularly in geothermal systems. He teaches courses such as BIOM 497 (Educational Methods: Microbiology) and BIOM 360 (General Microbiology), emphasizing hands-on training in microbiological education and practice.

His research explores microbial interactions with geochemical environments, including sulfur oxidation pathways in Sulfolobales, genomic diversity in hot springs, and microbial hydrogen metabolism in subsurface ecosystems. Notable projects include the CALDERA drilling initiative investigating New Zealand’s Okataina Volcanic Caldera and studies on arsenic dynamics in Yellowstone’s hydrothermal systems.

Recent publications highlight discoveries in Aquificota endemism, sulfur-cycling mechanisms, and anaerobic metabolism in hypersaline environments. Colman collaborates extensively with global researchers on projects linking microbial ecology to geodynamics. His work bridges microbiology, geochemistry, and environmental science, contributing to understanding life in extreme habitats.

Colman’s teaching portfolio includes advanced microbiology methods and general education courses, reflecting his commitment to both research and pedagogy in microbial sciences.