Timothy S. Magnuson

Timothy S. Magnuson was a Professor of Microbiology at Idaho State University (ISU), where he led the Magnuson Microbiology Group. His research focused on microbial survival in extreme environments, with emphases on extremophiles, iron-respiring bacteria, and applications to clean energy and environmental challenges. He held a Ph.D. in Bacteriology from the University of Idaho (1996), following postdoctoral training at the University of Massachusetts and Montana State University.

Education:

• Ph.D. Bacteriology, University of Idaho (1996)
• M.S. Bacteriology, University of Idaho (1991)
• B.S. Biochemistry, University of Minnesota (1987)

Research interests spanned microbial physiology, environmental microbiology, and extremophile biochemistry. His work emphasized in situ biochemical measurements in low-biomass environments and microbial contributions to energy solutions. Notable collaborations included projects with Idaho National Laboratory, NASA Ames, and institutions like Utah State University.

Teaching included courses such as Microbial Physiology (BIOL 4433/5533) and Applied and Environmental Microbiology (BIOL 4473/5573). His legacy includes mentorship of numerous students and fostering interdisciplinary training through research integration.

Labs/Teams: The Magnuson Microbiology Group pioneered studies on microbial extremophiles and geomicrobiology, leveraging funding from the DOE, NSF, and NASA.