Ross Whitwam

Dr. Ross Whitwam is a Professor of Biology and Associate Chair of the Department of Sciences and Mathematics at Mississippi University for Women (MUW). He joined MUW in 1999 and teaches courses in General Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Physiology. His research focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of yeast prion proteins and enediyne biosynthesis mechanisms in microorganisms.

• B.Sc. & M.Sc. from Carleton University (Canada)
• Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University

His research explores self-resistance mechanisms of antitumor agents like calicheamicin and enzymatic processes involving manganese peroxidases. Over 30 years of work has produced publications on enediyne gene clusters, fungal enzyme engineering, and anaerobic metabolic adaptations in marine organisms.

Dr. Whitwam’s articles frequently address topics in microbial biochemistry, enzyme catalysis, and biotechnological applications of natural products. He advises students in Biology and maintains active collaborations in biocatalysis and drug discovery.