Mitchell Balish

Mitchell Balish is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Miami University, actively leading the SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science) program through his instruction of MBI 224 since Spring 2015 through Spring 2025.

His research centers on bacteriophage genomics and bioinformatics, with specific focus on phages infecting Microbacterium foliorum and Mycobacterium smegmatis. This work integrates genomic analysis with evolutionary biology to advance understanding of viral-microbial interactions and genome annotation methodologies.

Professor Balish has mentored 144 undergraduate students (predominantly freshmen) across 11 academic terms, consistently teaching cohorts of 7-16 students in hands-on phage genomics courses. His instructional approach combines structured weekly meetings with optional lab hours for deeper bioinformatics exploration.

As a dedicated SEA-PHAGES faculty member, he participates in program workshops and symposia, contributing to national efforts in undergraduate science education and phage genomics research infrastructure.