Roger Gold

Roger Gold is Professor of Microbiology in the Biology Department at Southern Utah University. His teaching focuses on transforming student researchers through laboratory-based curriculum innovation and locally relevant microbial ecology research.

Research investigates desert plant-microbe interactions, biofilm formation in aquatic systems, and pedagogical approaches for scientific training. He integrates research projects into laboratory instruction to develop critical thinking skills.

Current initiatives include a $113,000 NSF-funded partnership with the University of Houston to enhance biotechnology training through equipment acquisition and curriculum development. As Principal Investigator, he implements discovery-based learning frameworks across biology courses.

Teaching innovations include replacing textbooks with student-generated open educational resources using WIX platforms. Active research projects examine microbial communities of desert plants with undergraduate researchers.