Morgan Steffen

Morgan Steffen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at James Madison University (JMU), where he has been since 2014. His research focuses on microbial ecology and genomics, particularly the interactions of aquatic microbial communities with toxic cyanobacterial blooms (cHABs). He employs molecular and genomic techniques to study nutrient influences on bloom dynamics and microbial community structures.

Steffen holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2014) and a B.S. in Biology from Iowa State University (2010). His work integrates field and laboratory studies to explore environmental factors driving cyanobacterial dominance in aquatic systems.

Key research themes include the role of nitrogen and other nutrients in shaping bloom communities, the genomic architecture of cyanobacteria, and the microbiome interactions within the phycosphere. His recent studies emphasize environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing and metatranscriptomic analyses to understand bloom mechanisms.

Steffen’s publications highlight trends in HAB mitigation strategies, microbial community responses to stressors, and cross-ecosystem comparisons (e.g., Lake Erie vs. Lake Taihu). He has secured grants, including collaborative NSF funding for studying microbial interactomes in cyanobacterial blooms.

He mentors students in microbial ecology and genomics, offering opportunities in both lab-based and field research. His lab at JMU emphasizes hands-on training in molecular biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics.