NATHAN ERNSTER

I am a PhD student in the Microbial Ecology and Environmental Genomics Laboratory and Microbial Resource Management at Universität Innsbruck. My research interests include microbial genomics, extremophiles, molecular evolution, and astrobiology. My interdisciplinary background includes experience in physical sciences, science construction, and field work in high alpine and polar regions. 

Education

Current - PhD student in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology and Environmental Genomics Laboratory, Universität Innsbruck, Austria

2021 - MSc in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno - Desert Research Institute's Molecular Microbial Ecology and Genomics Laboratory 

Thesis: A path to biodiscovery: isolating Antarctic ascidian-associated bacteria and screening genomes for secondary metabolite-encoded biosynthetic gene clusters and signatures of cold adaptation

2010 - BSc in Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno

Work experience

Current: 

Microbiology Technician & PhD Student, Microbial Ecology and Environmental Genomics Laboratory, Microbial Resource Management, Universität Innsbruck

Innsbruck, Austria 

2022, 2024: 

Arctic Science Construction, Polar Field Services

Summit Station, Greenland

2022: 

Bioinformatics Technical Assistant, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research

Leipzig, Germany

2019–2021:

Research Assistant, Desert Research Institute - Molecular Microbial Ecology and Genomics Laboratory

Reno, Nevada

2017/2018 and 2018/2019 Austral summer

Antarctic Science Construction - Sea Ice Lead, PAE, U.S. Antarctic Program

McMurdo Station, Antarctica

2011–2017

Seasonal Physical Science Technician, U.S. Department of Interior - National Park Service

Yosemite National Park, California

2014–2017

Seasonal Hydrologic Technician, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Redwood Sciences Laboratory

Arcata, CA

2012–2013 

Air Quality Field Technician, Horizon Engineering 

Portland, OR

Additional qualifications

2010 – Current: 

Wilderness First Responder, NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute

2015: 

Operational Leadership Program, U.S. National Park Service

2012: 

Resource Advisor Program, U.S. National Park Service

2012:

Red Card Wildland Firefighter, U.S. National Park Service