Mike Wilton

Dr. Mike Wilton is an Associate Teaching Professor and Associate Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), within the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. He holds a BS in Biology from Queen's University and a PhD in Cell and Systems Biology from the University of Toronto. His postdoctoral work at the University of Calgary focused on bacterial virulence strategies in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

His research spans two key areas: microbiology (bacterial pathogenesis and host immune interactions) and biology education, emphasizing peer mentorship and active learning. He investigates how educational interventions like structured curricula and peer mentorship impact student success, retention, and identity formation in STEM fields. Notably, his work has shown that peer-mentored programs improve academic performance and persistence, particularly for underrepresented groups.

Dr. Wilton’s microbiology publications explore mechanisms by which bacteria evade immune responses, including studies on Pseudomonas aeruginosa’s defense against neutrophil extracellular traps and type VI secretion systems. His educational research has informed scalable interventions to enhance inclusivity and diversity in undergraduate STEM education.

His advising and grants focus on implementing evidence-based practices to foster student engagement and equity. Collaborations extend to interdisciplinary teams in both microbiology and education research, though specific grant details are not detailed here.