1. Biogeochemical processes in deep-sea extreme ecosystems, such as cold seeps, hydrothermal vents, and the deep biosphere.
2. Biogeochemical cycling of one-carbon compounds (e.g.: methane, methanol) in different ecosystems.
3. Microbially-mediated carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and other element cycling processes in various aquatic environments (marginal seas and deep seas) and sediments.