Jennifer GoffView profile
Assistant Professor
Jennifer Goff is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry. She joined the faculty in 2023 following postdoctoral research at the University of Georgia and Rutgers University. Dr. Goff holds a PhD in Microbial Biology from Rutgers-New Brunswick (2020) and a BS in Biology from Georgia Institute of Technology (2014). Her research program examines microbial responses to environmental stressors in contaminated ecosystems. Research Focus: Investigates physiological and evolutionary adaptations of microorganisms to complex environmental stressors including heavy metals, contaminants, and temperature fluctuations. Research integrates multi-omics approaches to understand microbial metabolism of nitrogen and carbon under stress conditions. Current projects examine mobile genetic elements' role in adaptation and microplastic impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Publication Trends: Recent articles demonstrate consistent focus on microbial adaptation mechanisms in contaminated environments. Genomics approaches reveal insights into metal resistance gene functions, horizontal gene transfer dynamics, and biogeochemical cycling under anthropogenic stress. Field studies in subsurface environments complement laboratory investigations of microbial physiology. Awards & Recognition: Peggy Cotter Early Career Award, Western New York Branch of ASM (2024) SyracuseCoE Faculty Fellow (2024-2026) Research Funding: Supported by Syracuse University Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy System Innovations and NYS Center of Excellence in Healthy Water Solutions. Laboratory: Leads research on microbial biochemistry and environmental adaptation. Current projects include: 1) Physiological responses to mixed waste contamination; 2) Microbial genome evolution in contaminated subsurface environments; 3) Microplastics as vectors for contaminants; 4) Tellurium biogeochemistry. Mentors PhD students Linda Darwiche and Isaac Junior Okyere in environmental chemistry research.










