Michele Culumber

Dr. Michele Culumber is the Department Chair and Major Advisor in the Microbiology Department at Weber State University's College of Science. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Eastern Illinois University (1995) and a Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison (2002). Her research focuses on unique microorganisms in extreme environments, including contaminated groundwater, Hawaiian soils, peat bogs, the Great Salt Lake, and dairy products. A key project identified Lactobacillus wasatchensis, a cheese-aging microbe causing gas formation, and investigates its metabolic pathways and environmental origins. She mentors students in food science and supports the BUILD Dairy program. Courses taught include Microbial Ecology, Environmental Health, and Geomicrobiology.

Research interests also include actinomycetes in soil and tardigrade studies. Contact: Tracy Hall Science Center TY 450J, (801) 626-7795.