Faculty Feature
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EmailThis week we are getting to know Dr. Gian Maria Niccolo “Nico” Benucci, who works as a Data Analyst and Bioinformatician with the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC).
Originally from Perugia, Italy, Nico is a broadly trained biologist and mycologist with a strong passion for ecology and plant-microbe interactions. His doctoral research focused on truffles (Tuber, Ascomycota), an iconic and economically significant group of ectomycorrhizal fungi—especially in his home country. In this project, Nico provided a unique lens through which to examine mycorrhizal symbioses and laid the foundation for his current research trajectory, which delves into the broader concept of the holobiont (the host and its microbiome).
Nico came to the U.S. and joined PSM in 2015, and his research pinpoints the intersection of genomics, ecology, and evolution and leverages the power of big data, bioinformatics, statistics, and machine learning. “This holistic perspective brings answers to questions about structural and functional shifts of microbial communities in response to environmental changes,” Nico says, “and sheds light on how we can manipulate these communities to improve host health and fitness.”
Nico enjoys teaching, and helps Advanced Mycology (PLB847) students learn Bioinformatics and Community Ecology with R. This fall he will be teaching Statistics for Biologists (STT464). Nico enjoys fly fishing and spending time with his family.
Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC).
