Kevin Feris

Dr. Kevin Feris is Professor and Department Chair of Biological Sciences at Boise State University. He leads research on microbial community responses to environmental changes and develops biotechnological applications for resource recovery.

Education:

• BS Biology, University of Alaska Anchorage (1995)
• PhD Microbial Ecology, University of Montana (2003)
• Postdoctoral Researcher, University of California, Davis (2003-2005)

Research examines microbial processes in contaminated ecosystems and develops algae-based systems for wastewater treatment and biofuel production. Current projects investigate hyporheic zone biogeochemistry, algal biomass optimization, and nanoparticle impacts on environmental microbes.

Publications focus on aquatic microbial ecology, with recent work advancing algal cultivation methods for resource recovery and environmental sensor development. Research integrates molecular ecology with ecosystem-scale process measurements.

Supervises graduate students in microbial ecology and leads the Feris Lab, which develops microbial solutions for environmental challenges including waste valorization, bioremediation, and sustainable energy production.