Birgit Alber

Birgit Alber is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at The Ohio State University, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. She specializes in microbial biochemistry, particularly focusing on central carbon metabolism in purple non-sulfur bacteria like Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Her research explores metabolic versatility, including the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway and 3-hydroxypropionate metabolism.

Education:

• B.S., University of Marburg
• Ph.D., Virginia Tech
• Postdoctoral Research, University of Freiburg

Research Interests:
Her work investigates novel metabolic pathways in Rhodobacter sphaeroides, such as the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway for acetyl-CoA assimilation and 3-hydroxypropionate metabolism. She employs biochemical and genetic approaches to study enzyme function and pathway regulation, emphasizing carbon partitioning and efficient carbon usage.

Labs & Teams:
Alber leads the Alber Lab, which maintains a collection of Rhodobacter sphaeroides transposon mutants. Her team collaborates on projects funded by Ohio State’s Microbiology Department and engages in undergraduate and graduate training. Current and past lab members include James Fanning, Olivia Mullen, Steven Carlson, and Daniel Ortiz.

Key Projects:
The lab studies the role of enzymes like crotonyl-CoA carboxylase/reductase and acrylyl-CoA reductase in metabolic pathways. They also analyze mutant strains to identify genes critical for carbon substrate utilization.