Vincent G. Martinson

Vincent G. Martinson serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of New Mexico. His office is located in CAST 243 with laboratory space in CAST 247.

Dr. Martinson's research focuses on the complex relationships between insects and their microbial communities. His work sits at the intersection of organismal biology, ecology, and microbiology, with particular emphasis on host-microbiota interactions, microbial community ecology, genomics, and the evolution of microbial symbiosis. His primary model systems include honey bees, bumble bees, native Drosophila, mosquitoes, and beetles.

Methodologically, his research integrates three complementary approaches: (1) environmental DNA sampling methods (16S rRNA, metagenomics) to observe microorganisms in their natural environments; (2) culturing microbes and genome sequencing to identify metabolic capabilities; and (3) experimental manipulation of both microbes and their hosts to determine the functional consequences of these associations.

Dr. Martinson leads the "BUGS IN BUGS" research initiative, which investigates how microbial communities assemble within insect hosts and how these microbes influence host biology. His work has significant implications for understanding terrestrial ecosystem ecology, agricultural systems (where insects serve as both pests and pollinators), and human health (as insects can be disease vectors).