Kim Payne

Kim Payne serves as a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh, where she has been a full-time teaching faculty member since 2015. Her academic foundation includes doctoral and postdoctoral training within the university's research ecosystem, with ongoing collaboration with the Hatfull Lab.

Her educational trajectory:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, University of Pittsburgh (2011), supervised by Graham Hatfull
• Postdoctoral Studies, University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology with Paul Kinchington

Dr. Payne's scholarly identity bridges Molecular Biology and Virology, with deep expertise in mycobacteriophage enzymology and Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 pathogenesis. Her research legacy centers on phage-derived enzymes that degrade bacterial cell walls, revealing novel mechanisms in microbial warfare. As an educator, she pioneers experiential learning through upper-level laboratory courses where students genetically engineer fluorescent reporter mycobacteriophages alongside the Hatfull Lab, transforming theoretical concepts into tangible research outcomes.

Her publication record demonstrates sustained focus on mycobacteriophage structural biology, particularly the modularity and catalytic diversity of endolysins. These studies illuminate evolutionary adaptations in phage enzymes with implications for antibiotic alternatives, spanning molecular mechanisms of cell wall degradation to enzyme engineering frameworks.

Through her Virology Lab course coordination, Dr. Payne cultivates next-generation scientists in advanced virological techniques while maintaining active research integration. Her mentorship extends beyond traditional advising into immersive laboratory instruction where students contribute directly to phage engineering projects.

Based at L-06 Clapp Hall (4249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh), she remains accessible via kim.payne@pitt.edu and (412) 624-0445 for academic collaboration.