Climate models predict that deserts are likely to get hotter and drier in the coming decades which will most likely have big effects on the people and other organisms that live in these already resource-scarce areas. When plants and animals die, they start to decompose, so through gaining a better understanding of how desert ecosystems work, will help us develop better strategies to deal with the challenges in arid lands.

In order to gain more understanding, Robert is studying microorganisms that live in one of the driest places on the planet. This research will help scientists understand how they change their environment and how it impacts our lives.