Chet Cooper

Dr. Chet Cooper is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Youngstown State University, where he has served since 1995. His academic career spans over 30 years with previous appointments at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Case Western Reserve University, and New York State Department of Health.

Dr. Cooper earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1989, following an M.A. in the same field in 1983. He completed his undergraduate studies with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 1979.

Dr. Cooper's research focuses on fungal pathogenesis and morphogenesis, particularly in Penicillium marneffei, a significant human pathogen. His work examines the molecular mechanisms of fungal development, stress response, and virulence. Additionally, he investigates antimicrobial activities of nanoparticles and wastewater epidemiology, bridging environmental microbiology with public health concerns. His laboratory employs advanced molecular, biochemical, and genomic approaches to understand fungal biology and pathogenesis.

Analysis of Dr. Cooper's publications reveals a consistent focus on fungal pathogens, particularly Penicillium marneffei and Wangiella dermatitidis. His research spans molecular genetics, protein expression, stress response mechanisms, and virulence factors. A notable trend is his contribution to knowledgebase development for secretome and subcellular proteome analysis across different organisms.

• 2015: YSU Student Government John J. Gocala Sr. Service Award
• 2014: YSU Student Government Association Smith-Murphy Award
• 2013: Youngstown State University Distinguished Professor Award for Service
• 2011: YSU Student Government Association Martin T. Manning Award
• 2009: YSU Student Government Association Smith-Murphy Award
• 2009: Youngstown State University Distinguished Professor Award for Scholarship
• 2007: YSU Student Government Association Spirit Award
• 2007: Elected to Omicron Delta Kappa
• 2004: YSU Student Government Association Smith-Murphy Award
• 2004: Youngstown State University Distinguished Professor Award for Scholarship
• 2004: YSU School of Graduate Studies and Research Dean's Award
• 1998: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Young Investigator Award

Dr. Cooper has been actively involved in mentoring students through research projects, particularly in his BIOL 3702H honors laboratory section where students conduct original research on fecal bacteria in water sources. His laboratory in Ward Beecher Science Hall Room 3124 serves as a hub for student research activities. He has secured internal university funding to support his research and educational initiatives, particularly those focused on wastewater epidemiology and antimicrobial studies.

Dr. Cooper maintains an active research laboratory focused on fungal pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on Penicillium marneffei. His lab employs molecular, genetic, and biochemical approaches to study fungal development, stress response, and virulence mechanisms. The laboratory also conducts research on wastewater epidemiology, with students regularly collecting and analyzing water samples to assess fecal contamination.