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
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
