His research uses complementary computational and experimental methods to engineer the human microbiome, including data science, quantitative analysis, and novel molecular techniques. More broadly, the Alm lab emphasizes a systems-level approach to answering questions and solving problems in microbial ecology that have the potential to improve human health, develop sound bioremediation strategies, and uncover the global history of microbes. Dr. Alm also serves on the Board of Directors for the non-profit stool bank, OpenBiome.