Leslie Shor

Leslie Shor is a Professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Connecticut, where she also serves as Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School. Her research focuses on microbial systems engineering, environmental biotechnology, and microfluidics, with applications to sustainable agriculture, environmental remediation, and medical diagnostics.

Current research projects include bio-inspired microplastic removal technologies using mussels and microbes, advanced optical methods for soil ecosystem analysis, and protist-mediated delivery systems for beneficial agricultural bacteria. Her work bridges microbial ecology with engineering innovation.

• Microbial Systems Engineering
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Microfluidics & BioMEMS
• Agricultural Biotechnology

The Engineered Microhabitats research group, which she leads, investigates microbial interactions in complex environments. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary applications of microfluidics, enzymatic processes, and optogenetic tools across environmental and biomedical domains.

• 2023 Finalist, Connecticut Women of Innovation
• 2022-2026 Centennial Term Professorship
• 2014-2017 DuPont Young Professor
• 2011 National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering Education
• 1996-1999 NIH Biotechnology Training Program Fellow

Leslie Shor's research group trains students in microbial transport mechanisms, biofilm dynamics, and sustainable technology development. She has held leadership roles including Division Chair of the Environmental Division at AIChE and Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Education (2009-2024).

Her lab collaborates on projects involving soil protist applications, optogenetic biofilm control, and microplastic remediation. Current work emphasizes scalable solutions for agricultural and environmental challenges.