Jacob Waldbauer

Jacob R. Waldbauer is an Associate Professor at the Department of Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago. His research focuses on the intersection of biogeochemistry, microbiology, and proteomics to understand cellular processes in global biogeochemical cycles.

• Biogeochemistry
• Microbiology
• Organic Geochemistry

His group develops advanced analytical techniques, particularly proteomics, to investigate microbial nutrient acquisition, community metabolism, and protein diagenesis in diverse ecosystems such as marine environments, cyanobacterial mats, and Arctic soils. Key areas include:

• Microbial responses to environmental stressors
• Nitrogen and sulfur cycling mechanisms
• Impacts of viral infections on biogeochemical fluxes
• Protein fossilization for paleoenvironmental records

Recent publications highlight his work on nanoplastics, carbon-use efficiency in bacteria, and isotopic tracking in microbial communities. The lab employs Orbitrap mass spectrometry and computational tools to analyze complex environmental samples.

Former students and postdocs from his group include Angela Boysen, Amy Zimmerman, Gwen Gallagher, and others, reflecting his active mentorship in molecular biogeochemistry.