Research in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics investigates how microbes, genes and cellular processes influence health, disease, reproduction and the environment. Areas of focus include chromosome and cancer biology, host-pathogen interactions, inflammation and immunology, microbial physiology and metabolism, reproductive biology, and microbiology pedagogy and curriculum.
Department Research Areas
Department Research Areas
Chromosome and Cancer Biology
How chromosome organization, replication, repair and recombination maintain genome stability—and how disruptions contribute to cancer and other diseases.
Host-Pathogen Interactions
How pathogens interact with their hosts, evade biological defenses and cause disease.
Inflammation and Immunology
How immune systems recognize and respond to threats and regulate inflammation in health and disease.
Microbial Physiology and Metabolism
How microbes grow, regulate metabolism and adapt to changing environments.
Microbiology Pedagogy and Curriculum
How to develop and evaluate effective, inclusive approaches to teaching microbiology and related biological sciences.
Reproductive Biology
How genetic, chromosomal and cellular processes shape germ cell development, fertility and reproduction.