Jessica Labonté

Dr. Jessica Labonté is an Associate Professor in the Department of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston. Her research focuses on viral ecology, particularly the role of viruses in marine and subsurface environments, including their interactions with microbial hosts. She holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of British Columbia (2013), an M.S. in Microbiology from Université Laval (2005), and a B.S. in Microbiology from Université Laval (2003).

Her work combines molecular biology, bioinformatics, and field studies to investigate viral diversity, host interactions, and ecosystem impacts. Notable projects include studies on microbial communities post-Hurricane Harvey and collaborations on subseafloor viral dynamics. She teaches courses such as 'Seminar in Marine Biology' and 'Geomicrobiology.'

Grants include NSF funding for microbial community recovery post-Hurricane Harvey and C-DEBI support for subsurface studies. Her lab emphasizes rigorous lab practices and student mentorship, with current advisees including Crista Kieley and Royoung Park. She collaborates on projects like the Brothers Arc Flux expedition, analyzing microbial life in submarine volcanoes.