In his research, Jeff Gralnick strives to integrate both classical and modern molecular approaches to understand how bacteria influence our planet and how they can be engineered for applications in bioremediation, bioenergy and biocatalysis. His lab uses Shewanella bacteria to research electron shuttling with flavins and synthetic biology in environmental bacteria. Jeff has also explored microbes throughout Minnesota, namely in the Soudan Iron Mine in northern Minnesota and around Lake Itasca, the headwaters of the Mississippi.