Dana Harmon

Dana Harmon serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Biology at California State University, Northridge, teaching undergraduate microbiology courses including BIOL 215/L (Introductory Microbiology for non-majors), BIOL 315L (Principles of Microbiology Laboratory), and BIOL 410/L (Medical Microbiology). For Fall 2025, she instructs BIOL 100 (Introductory Biology) as an online course.

Her academic preparation includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Microbiology concentration) from Cornell University
• PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Tufts University Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences (awarded February 2012)
• Postdoctoral research at Northeastern University (antibiotic tolerance in E. coli) and New York University (Yersinia enterocolitica membrane secretins)

Dr. Harmon's research investigates molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, specifically examining the AcrB-TolC efflux complex's dual roles in resistance development and bacterial metabolism. She concurrently conducts environmental surveillance of carbapenem-resistant pathogens across Los Angeles County, with emphasis on San Fernando Valley ecosystems, through collaboration with Dr. Cristian Ruiz Rueda's laboratory.