Peter Girguis is a leader in the research of deep oceans, with several scientific dives on the iconic deep-sea submersible, Alvin. His laboratory at Harvard studies the physiology and biochemistry of deep sea microorganisms, with an emphasis on carbon and nitrogen metabolism, to better understand their role in mediating local and global biogeochemical cycles. They also study the physiological relationships (such as nutrient exchange and immune responses) between microbes and animals in deep sea environments.
His research is at the crossroads of microbial ecology, physiology, and biogeochemistry, and as such is highly interdisciplinary. He and his lab have developed novel instruments and samplers that enable them to better study microbial-geochemical relationships. He is also passionate about educating and inspiring young people to learn about oceans and the fascinating life within them.