Investigations in his laboratory have emphasized large-scale oxidation and reductions of inorganic substances catalyzed by bacteria and solubilization of minerals by products of microbial metabolism, which are of geological and at times of practical interest. More recent studies have dealt with Mn oxidation and reduction by bacteria from around hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor, and the bioleaching of mixed sulfide ores and a manganese-containing silver ore.
Current studies concern the action of native bacterial flora on bauxites.
He received an M.S. degree in 1949 and a Ph.D. degree in 1951, both from the University of Wisconsin in Agricultural Bacteriology with a minor in Biochemistry. He has been a member of the Rensselaer faculty since 1951. He has served at various times as an industrial consultant.