Sign in

Michael Henson, Ph.D.

@aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social
1.1K followers 556 following 113 posts

Assistant Professor at Northern Illinois University #newpi Aquatic Microbiology 🦠🌊☀️ www.theaquaticmicrobiologylab.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I did a thing, and was on an awesome podcast 🎙️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️⚧️ about being queer in oceanography 🌊https://open.spotify.com/episode/6i43y2nJHjClhoGi6mYBsn?si=uEXPEg1DSLS3jtRiuhFigQ&utm_source=copy-link #queervoices #microsky #ecoevosky
070
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Marine disease is more than a host–pathogen story, it can reshape host populations, food webs, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem resilience. 🦠🧬🔬🌊🪸🐟 Join us for SS12: Microbial Dimensions of Marine Disease in Waterscapes Under Pressure at @aslo.org in San Juan, Puerto Rico! #ASLO27 #microsky #ecosky
144
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Come find me today at #ISME20 at 4:30 pm (PS02.09.034) to chat Large River microbial ecology! We are also recruiting graduate students for the project which was recently funded! #microsky #ecosky
1110
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Dr. Lauren E. Fuess @laurenfuess.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Update: I am definitely hiring 2 PhD students; preference to those who can start spring 2027, but reach out if you’re looking to start in Fall 27. Want to start earlier? Reach out and we can talk about technician positions starting as early as this summer.
11017
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Could this be a early sign for what's to come this spring/summer? CC @ianhewson.bsky.social @viromegirl.bsky.social #UVI #microsky #parasitesky 🌊🦠🧬 newsroom.niu.edu/niu-biologis...
newsroom.niu.edu
NIU biologist’s research gains urgency as sea urchin outbreak threatens Caribbean | NIU Newsroom
DEKALB, IL — As a deadly sea urchin disease resurfaces in the Caribbean, an NIU researcher is at the center of the effort to understand...
034
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Chuankai Cheng @ahoiching.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
This paper originated from a simple idea: Since we want to study SAR11 growth physiology, let’s look at how one SAR11 bacterium becomes two SAR11 bacteria, inspired by the quote from François Jacob, “The dream of a bacterium: to produce two bacteria”.
273
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
New work with @ianhewson.bsky.social @brayan-vilanova.bsky.social and others
011
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Ian Hewson @ianhewson.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
Day one of our December Diadema time series sampling today in St Thomas USVI with @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social and Marilyn Brandt. Fascinating to see season changes in microbial ecology of our site. Today we saw a big increase in diatoms, presumably due to cooler water.
2161
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
So excited for our #nsffunded research to kick off with an amazing team of researchers @viromegirl.bsky.social @ianhewson.bsky.social @drchriskellogg.bsky.social Dr. Marilyn Brandt (UVI). newsroom.niu.edu/niu-biologis...
newsroom.niu.edu
NIU biologist dives into coral reef mystery with NSF-funded research | NIU Newsroom
DEKALB, IL — When long-spined sea urchins across the Caribbean began dying by the thousands in 2022, marine scientists feared a repeat of an ecological...
074
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Ian Hewson @ianhewson.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Many thanks to Moriah Sevier, Marilyn Brandt, @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social @drchriskellogg.bsky.social @viromegirl.bsky.social Bella Ritchie and Brayan Vilanova Cuevas for making this trip such a success!
093
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Ian Hewson @ianhewson.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Day 2 of Diadema kickoff. Today was all about Diadema itself (cf environmental parameters). We were excited to see so many apparently healthy animals in shallow water! We also set up an experiment to examine microbial participation in echinoderm tissue decay. Such a great start to this time series!
363
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Ian Hewson @ianhewson.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
Day 1 of NSF sponsored Diadema antillarum scuticociliatosis time series in Brewers Bay, St Thomas, USVI with @drchriskellogg.bsky.social @viromegirl.bsky.social @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social and Prof Marilyn Brandt at UVI. After months of planning it was time to figure out what makes sense from
184
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
🧬 Interested in aquatic micro, nutrient cycling, river-ocean interfaces I’m seeking a postdoc candidate to apply with me for the 2026 Walder Biota Fellowship ($70k+/yr 2 yrs, $20k/yr research). Details: www.biotaawards.org/2026-applica... #biogeochemistry #BiotaFellowship #microsky #ecoSky #evoSky
biotaawards.org
248
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Notice of Award is in! Join our team at NIU to study marine microbial ecology & disease dynamics in sea urchins 🧫🌊🦠 PhD | Spring/Fall 2026 start Job Ad Here 👉 shorturl.at/fSMy9 Apply here 👉 forms.gle/gfMnHutijfqC... More: theaquaticmicrobiologylab.com @ianhewson.bsky.social @viromegirl.bsky.social
forms.gle
Funded Graduate Student Opportunity in Marine Microbial Ecology
**Applicants will be contacted if selected for next round. Applicants not selected will not receive any notice. If not selected, this is not indicative of your merit. ** Northern Illinois University |...
22025
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
🧬 Interested in aquatic micro, nutrient cycling, river-ocean interfaces I’m seeking a postdoc candidate to apply with me for the 2026 Walder Biota Fellowship ($70k+/yr for 2 yrs, $20k/yr research). Details: www.biotaawards.org/2026-applica... #ecosky #biogeochemistry #BiotaFellowship #microsky
biotaawards.org
2026 Application — Biota Awards
034
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Cameron Thrash @jcamthrash.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Ten simple rules for faculty members building just and equitable environments in academic science journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol... #jcampubs
journals.plos.org
Ten simple rules for faculty members building just and equitable environments in academic science
0148
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Jesse McNichol @jcmcnch.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
So excited to announce the GRUMP paper is published! This global dataset provides relative abundances for plankton spanning Archaea to Zooplankton from unfractionated (>0.2µm) water samples using 3-domain universal primers that amplify 16S and 18S in one PCR reaction. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Characterizing organisms from three domains of life with universal primers from throughout the global ocean - Scientific Data
Scientific Data - Characterizing organisms from three domains of life with universal primers from throughout the global ocean
13615
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
Check out our field sampling update on our lab website, work we continue to do in support of Diadema Scuticociliatosis outbreaks Field Update: USVI Marine Disease Survey www.theaquaticmicrobiologylab.com/news CC @ianhewson.bsky.social #microsky #ecologysky #marinedisease 🌊🦠🧬
theaquaticmicrobiologylab.com
News in the Aquatic Microbiology Lab — The Aquatic Microbiology Lab
042
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
Some updates to the lab website on awards and presentations! It's been a busy year in the Aquatic Microbiology lab. www.theaquaticmicrobiologylab.com/news
theaquaticmicrobiologylab.com
News in the Aquatic Microbiology Lab — The Aquatic Microbiology Lab
030
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Cameron Thrash @jcamthrash.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Our latest, lead by @ahoiching.bsky.social, uncovering physiological vulnerabilities and helping to explain growth rate limitation in SAR11. Cell cycle dysregulation of globally important SAR11 bacteria resulting from environmental perturbation www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... #jcampubs
23010
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Cell cycle dysregulation of globally important SAR11 bacteria resulting from environmental perturbation t.co/8ohVSh9Esd
t.co
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.25.661606v1?rss=1
000
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Ian Hewson @ianhewson.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
An amazing trip to USVI to study the ecology of DaScPc, the parasite responsible for urchin mass mortality 3 years ago. Over 150 samples, and an experiment completed. Fantastic to work with @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social at NIU and Marilyn Brandt at UVI. Supported by NIU Biology and ACSF.
051
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Paul Carini @uncultured.carinilab.com · 02/05/2025
Happy birthday SAR11! 35 years old today! uncultured.carinilab.com/p/happy-birt...
uncultured.carinilab.com
Happy Birthday SAR11
SAR11 turns 33 this month
4367
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Katie O'Reilly @drkatfish.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
During summer and winter, waters of the #GreatLakes typically separate into distinct temperature layers - a process called stratification. However, new research finds Lakes Michigan and Huron aren't consistently stratifying during winter anymore due to climate change www.jsonline.com/story/news/l...
jsonline.com
In winter, the waters of Lakes Michigan and Huron separate into layers. Not anymore. Why?
Winters in particular are entering a new era in the world's largest surface freshwater system.
13211
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Help Support Student Research! 🔗 Donate : dog.niu.edu/giving-day/9... #NIUHuskies #NIUBiology #STEMEducation #SupportStudentResearch #FirstGenCollege #ExperientialLearning #ScienceMatters #FutureScientists #HandsOnLearning #NIUAlumni #GiveBack #ResearchOpportunities #HuskiesGive #NIUCommunity
011
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Stand Up for Science! @standupforscience.net · 12/02/2025
Welcome to the Bluesky account for Stand Up for Science 2025! Keep an eye on this space for updates, event information, and ways to get involved. We can't wait to see everyone #standupforscience2025 on March 7th, both in DC and locations nationwide! #scienceforall #sciencenotsilence
289114575402
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Kenneth Wasmund @kennethwasmund.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Sounds cool. "Bacteria encode post-mortem protein catabolism that enables altruistic nutrient recycling" www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Bacteria encode post-mortem protein catabolism that enables altruistic nutrient recycling - Nature Communications
Processes that occur after death have not received the same level of attention as the mechanisms of life. In this study, the authors show that bacteria have potentially evolved an altruistic trait to ...
021
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Black Microbiologists Assoc (Black In Micro) @blackinmicro.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
A statement from the BMA Board Members to the BMA Community and Beyond. Additional alt text to follow due to the character limit.
The statement reads: We are disappointed in the rapid capitulation by some U.S. institutions and organizations to recent attacks on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. At their core, these weak arguments are fueled by the familiar underlying assumption that people from Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized identities cannot be excellent and therefore have not ‘earned’ our place in public intellectual life. However, we have always been competent, hardworking, and creative people who have contributed positively to society at large, across sectors but especially in science. We reject these attempts at silencing and erasure and will continue to be a place of respite and community in these turbulent times. 

To our members, your talent, skills, and safety are important! To our friends and allies, you may be feeling like everything happening is out of your control, but we want you to know that your voice and actions can make a difference. We want to point you towards some immediate actions that you can take. These are the top 3 issues we are concerned about and what you can do about it if you mirror our concerns.

Freezing of federal funding and cutting grant programs for scientific research that have any connotation of being “DEI.”
The potential confirmation of RFK Jr., a vocal anti-vaccination proponent, as the head of HHS.
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) removed their ABRCMS and IDEAAS webpages in addition to some scientist spotlights and written articles highlighting the current and historic contributions of microbiologists who are a part of marginalized communities including LGBTQIA+, Women, Indigenous and Black, as well as others page that could be considered “‘DEI”. Many have now been reinstated with changes to language (i.e. removing terms like “equity” and “marginalized”), and the statements released by ASM did not acknowledge the harm that they have caused to their members and showed no remorse for their actions.
2208121
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Got to attend the NIU Womens Basketball (@GoHuskiesWBB) game last night and head to center court to #humblebrag be honored as their faculty spotlight.
041
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
DEI Virologist @kyt-thatsme.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
🧪🧬🧫🦠
0339
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Jennifer Goff, PhD @jlgoff.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Happy Black History Month! I’m not sure if ASM is celebrating this year, so I’ll share some links to ASM resources I had previously collated on black women in microbiology that are now deleted (or at risk of being deleted). Deleted content can be viewed via the internet archive (links provided).
15628
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Detection of the Diadema antillarum scuticociliatosis Philaster clade on sympatric metazoa, plankton, and abiotic surfaces and assessment for its potential reemergence www.int-res.com/abstracts/me... #Microsky
int-res.com
Detection of the Diadema antillarum scuticociliatosis Philaster clade on sympatric metazoa, plankton, and abiotic surfaces and assessment for its potential reemergence
011
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Jay T Lennon @jaytlennon.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Read the January summary of science on climate change and microbes via @asm.org: tinyurl.com/2at395tz And learn more about the American Academy of Microbiology's (AAM) "Climate Change & Microbes" scientific portfolio: tinyurl.com/ysyv5scj
193
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
I know , myself included, are nervous about the brc but hearing that this isn’t going to be shelved. Seems more like bad timing when nerves are high. But could be wrong.
030
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Vaughn Cooper @vscooper.micropopbio.org · 23/01/2025
I am confident that scientific societies will play an unusually important role in the coming years. If you are a microbiologist of any kind, please consider joining @asm.org if you haven't already. There are many ways to get involved, including advocacy. To learn more: asm.org/About-ASM/Vo...
asm.org
Volunteer With ASM | Overview
ASM volunteer opportunities range from speaking with legislators about funding research during ASM's annual Hill Day, to writing articles for asm.org, to serving on committees and the Board of Directo...
6437120
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Puppy pic timeline cleanse 🧼🐶
070
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Was reminded today of this excellent piece by @berondam.bsky.social #microSky journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/... . It feels fitting to reread it.
journals.asm.org
Lessons from Microbes: What Can We Learn about Equity from Unculturable Bacteria? | mSphere
Many microbiologists exhibit a fascination with unculturable bacteria. This intrigue can be expressed through curiosity about nutrient needs, as well as about parameters such as optimal temperature, oxygen levels, minimum and optimal light, or other such ...
173
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Dr. Michael D. L. Johnson @copperbae.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
We must have an unprecedented amount of grace, collaboration, and support for our colleagues and trainees right now. We will get out of this mile one. It won’t make the run easier, but we will settle in and we will finish. I wrote this because I needed to hear it. I hope it was helpful to you.
1467
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Annika Barber @annikabarber.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
If you are directly affected by a cancellation of a meeting you were scheduled to participate in or at which your grant may have been discussed, consider reaching out.
1252185
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
I’ve kind of been panicking that the new DEI executive order may impact the nsf grants . For me :the building research capacity of new faculty in biology program that targets minority serving institutes and has a heavy equity and diversity portion. That language seems indirect conflict with the EO.
110
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
Puppy smoosh face timeline cleanse… you’re welcome ☺️
1212
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Mike Jetten @msmjetten.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
Changes of marine environments due to human activities in coastal waters of Korea www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
sciencedirect.com
Changes of marine environments due to human activities in coastal waters of Korea
A comprehensive review of scholarly articles was conducted to examine the marine environmental changes in four representative bays in Korea. Cheonsu B…
012
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
Definitely will put this to test
010
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Cameron Thrash @jcamthrash.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
Our latest. Led by the indefatigable Jordan Coelho Culture-supported ecophysiology of the SAR116 clade demonstrates metabolic and spatial niche partitioning www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... #jcampubs
biorxiv.org
Culture-supported ecophysiology of the SAR116 clade demonstrates metabolic and spatial niche partitioning
Marine SAR116 bacterioplankton are ubiquitous in surface waters across global oceans and form their own order, Puniceispirillales, within the Alphaproteobacteria. To date no comparative physiology amo...
0138
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Simon Roux @simrouxvirus.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
🚨Postdoc position(s) alert🚨 If you like to develop new bioinformatic tools for *human* microbiome analysis, are interested by virus/phages, we (JGI Viral Genomics and Microbiome Data groups) may have a great position for you ! No official job posting yet, but email or DM if you are interested !
07476
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Mya Breitbart @viromegirl.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
Check out our new preprint on viruses associated with Karenia brevis blooms! 🦠 🌊 🧪 🧬 @cmarinescience.bsky.social
0185
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
More amazing work using culture-supported approaches on the SAR116 clade by the @jcamthrash.bsky.social led by PhD student Jordan Coelho t.co/M06rsILi89 #microsky 🦠🧫 🌊🧬 🔬
t.co
https://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2025.01.06.631592v1
020
Michael Henson, Ph.D. @aquaticmicrolab.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
#microsky 🧫🦠 🔬 🌊🧬
021
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
DEI Virologist @kyt-thatsme.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
Are you looking to pursue a M.S.? Want to research vector-borne viruses, understand more about viral evolution, and/or how viruses manage to infect multiple hosts while undergoing genetic change? Consider applying to the Towson University Biology Masters Program! www.towson.edu/fcsm/departm...
towson.edu
Biology (M.S.)
22118
Reposted by Michael Henson, Ph.D.
Karthik Anantharaman @karthik-a.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
New paper alert: Our 20-year study of viral ecology and evolution reveals viral roles in microbial dynamics, phage genome evolution over time, and key interactions with hosts. A big thank you to our awesome collaborators @quendi.bsky.social @archaeal.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Unravelling viral ecology and evolution over 20 years in a freshwater lake - Nature Microbiology
A long-term metagenomic time series reveals how viruses impact diversity, ecological dynamics and evolution of freshwater microbiomes.
411853