Brittney Dinkel

Dr. Brittney Dinkel is an Associate Professor of Biology, specializing in immunology and microbiology. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. from Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and a B.S. from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She has enriched her research and teaching through participation in the FUTURE program at the University of Iowa, integrating student-centered projects into her work.

Education:

• B.S., Nebraska Wesleyan University
• Ph.D., Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Dr. Dinkel's research focuses on immune cell signaling, particularly the role of CXCR4 in T cell activation and cytokine production during infections and cancer. Her work extends into bacterial genetics, including CRISPRi applications and environmental microbiology, such as studying antibiotic resistance in natural water bodies. These research themes directly inform her diverse teaching portfolio, which spans core biological disciplines.

Through her summer research at the University of Iowa, Dr. Dinkel has mentored students and developed innovative laboratory modules for microbiology education. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular immunology with microbial ecology, contributing to both scientific understanding and pedagogical advancement.

Dr. Dinkel teaches a broad range of courses including Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, Biochemistry, Immunology, Pharmacology, and Biological Principles II. Notably, she also teaches a creative and engaging course titled Using Science to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse, which leverages pop culture to teach fundamental biological and medical concepts.