Dana Skorupa

Dana Skorupa is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at Montana State University, affiliated with the Center for Biofilm Engineering. Her research focuses on microbes in extreme environments, particularly thermophiles inhabiting geothermal settings like Yellowstone National Park. Skorupa has contributed to understanding microbial diversity and adaptations in extreme conditions, with a recent emphasis on identifying plastic-degrading microorganisms.

Skorupa earned her PhD in Microbiology from Montana State University in 2013. She continued her postdoctoral research at the Center for Biofilm Engineering from 2013 to 2016, deepening her expertise in extremophile studies.

Her research interests are centered on Microbes in Extreme Environments, including thermophilic algae and bacteria. Key areas include:

• Genetic responses of extremophiles to environmental stressors (e.g., UV irradiance)
• Biodiversity of Cyanidiales in geothermal ecosystems
• Applications of extremophiles in bioremediation (e.g., plastic degradation)

Her publications highlight work on gene expression in thermoacidophilic algae and microbial diversity in Yellowstone. These studies underscore her focus on extremophile physiology and their ecological roles in harsh environments.

Skorupa has been involved in guiding student research, including those exploring plastic-degrading microbes in Yellowstone. In 2021, she contributed to an NSF grant securing $3 million to advance research on extremophiles.

She is part of the Center for Biofilm Engineering’s interdisciplinary team, collaborating on projects through its Bioimaging Facility and Global Conferences. Her work aligns with the Center’s mission to study biofilms and extremophile applications.