Brian Patrick Higgins

Brian Patrick Higgins is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, serving as Microbiology Discipline Coordinator and Director of Graduate Studies. He directs key medical courses including Musculoskeletal and Integumentary (MD818) and co-directs Foundations of Infection, Immunity, and Therapeutics (MD810) and Multidiscipline and Integrative Medicine (MD829).

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor’s in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (University of Maryland, with high honors)
• PhD in Microbiology (University of Georgia)
• Postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University studying programmed DNA rearrangements in ciliates

Dr. Higgins maintains dual research trajectories: foundational microbiology exploring genome architecture in ciliates and bacteria, and medical education innovation. His microbiology work investigates programmed DNA rearrangements in Oxytricha trifallax and phase variation mechanisms in Pseudoalteromonas atlantica, published in Science and PNAS. Concurrently, he pioneers curriculum transformation through flipped-classroom methodologies and alternative learning strategies, significantly impacting medical pedagogy.

Analysis of his 2007-2012 publications reveals a cohesive research program centered on genome plasticity across diverse biological systems. Articles span microbial genetics (transposases, gene scrambling), ecological interactions (mycorrhizal fungi), and taxonomic classification, demonstrating interdisciplinary integration of molecular techniques with evolutionary and ecological frameworks. His educational scholarship focuses on scalable pedagogical innovations for medical curricula.

Major recognitions include:

• Educator of the Year (2013) and Exemplary Teaching Award from Medical College of Georgia
• Multiple Abraham Flexner Master Educator Awards (Teaching, Leadership, Curriculum Development, Innovation)
• Harvard Macy Institute selection (2021) for health education leadership
• TEDxUKY Talk: 'Stop Wasting Everyone's Time in the Classroom'

As Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Higgins coordinates cross-departmental curriculum integration between basic science and clinical faculty. He has delivered 'Calibrate' sessions for Pharmacy and Grand Rounds for OB/GYN departments on flipped-classroom implementation. His editorial role with the International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education extends his influence in educational scholarship, though specific research grants remain unmentioned in available documentation.