Evolution has generated fascinating diversity at all levels, as best exemplified by microbiomes: Thousands of species with dissimilar metabolic and regulatory networks somehow stably coexist, and - as communities - perform functions that shape biogeochemical cycles and host health. How does functional diversity emerge and can we predict it? The Ho Lab searches for quantitative principles in microbial ecology and evolution and applies them to engineer microbiomes. We use a wide array of theoretical and experimental tools to synthesize ideas from physics, biology, and engineering. We are part of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at Westlake University and are affiliated with the School of Life Sciences.