Bert Ely

Bert Ely is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina, affiliated with the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on bacterial genome evolution, bacteriophage interactions, and plant-microbe relationships. He leads the Ely Lab, which investigates genome rearrangements, horizontal gene transfer, and the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth stimulation by Caulobacter strains.

Key research themes include analyzing phage genomes (e.g., Dolichocephalovirinae subfamily) and their roles in bacterial adaptation, studying genomic GC content drifts, and exploring plant-bacterial symbiosis. His work combines experimental approaches (e.g., genome sequencing, bioinformatics) with ecological studies of soil bacteria and phages.

Publications emphasize bacteriophage diversity, phage-host interactions, and evolutionary genomics. Collaborations span microbiology, virology, and computational biology. The Ely Lab’s findings contribute to understanding microbial evolution and potential applications in biotechnology and agriculture.