Bio
Suhelen Egan is an Associate Professor at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) UNSW.  She is a microbiologist with experience in the areas of molecular microbiology, microbial symbioses and marine biotechnology. Her current research interests include understanding the role of microorganisms for the heath and function of marine plants and animals. 

Abstract
Seaweeds are a ubiquitous group of photosynthetic organisms that play an essential role in many aquatic ecosystems. Seaweeds also host complex microbiomes. While symbiotic interactions with these microbiomes are essential for seaweeds, we now also know that microorganisms can be responsible for negative outcomes, such as disease of the host.  
In this seminar I will firstly discuss how ecological principles such as the “lottery hypothesis” and “priority effects” determine how microbiomes assemble on seaweeds.  Secondly, I will discuss how anthropogenic stressors can disturb the microbiome (i.e. cause dysbiosis) resulting in the proliferation of opportunistic pathogens leading to disease. Finally, I will describe recent studies that show mitigation of disease through the addition of beneficial microorganisms and their possible mode of action.