Andrea Beyer

Dr. Andrea Beyer is an Associate Professor of Biology at Richard Bland College, joining in Fall 2024. She holds a B.S. in Genetic Engineering from Cedar Crest College (2004) and a Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology from Penn State College of Medicine (2011). Her research focuses on viral and bacterial pathogenesis, including retroviruses (Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus, Rous Sarcoma Virus) and intracellular bacteria transmitted via arthropods.

Dr. Beyer has over 20 years of teaching experience, spanning undergraduate, graduate, medical, nursing, and dental students. Notably, she led bacteriophage research projects with first-year students through the HHMI SEA-PHAGES program, resulting in the discovery of seven novel viruses. She was awarded Virginia State University’s inaugural Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching.

Her career includes postdoctoral training at Virginia Commonwealth University (IRACDA program) and eight years on the faculty at Virginia State University. She emphasizes hands-on laboratory education and collaborative research with undergraduates.