Canan Karakoç

I am a research scholar in Sam Brown Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Previously, I worked with Jay Lennon at Indiana University Bloomington, where I spent several years developing my research interests.

My work centers on eco-evolutionary dynamics—how communities persist, adapt, and maintain coexistence across space and time. I am particularly drawn to microbes (anything smaller than 1 mm): they offer a unique window into evolution unfolding in real time. By combining microbial systems with eco-evolutionary theory, I aim to understand—and ultimately predict—how environmental change shapes genes, populations, communities, and ecosystems.

I am currently supported by a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, where I study the evolution of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common pathogen in individuals with cystic fibrosis. More broadly, I am interested in how resistance evolution influences microbial community ecology, and how these insights can inform more effective treatment strategies.

Outside the lab, I enjoy drawing, illustrating, and doodling, often inspired by nature. I also spend time exploring philosophy of science, macro photography, crafting, and playing music.