Deborah Tobiason

Deborah Tobiason is a Professor of Biology and Co-Chair of the Biology Department at Carthage College. She joined the faculty in 2007 and previously served as a Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Her work focuses on providing transformative undergraduate research experiences in microbiology, synthetic biology, and space biology through programs like the HHMI SEA-PHAGES initiative.

• Education: B.S. in Biology (Loyola College of Maryland, 1992); Ph.D. in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics (Emory University, 1998)

Her research emphasizes bacteriophage studies, synthetic biology applications, and space-related biological investigations, often collaborating with undergraduate students. This work has generated multiple student-authored publications and presentations at conferences including the American Society of Microbiology and HHMI Phage Symposia.

Tobiason has secured grants supporting student research in these areas, demonstrating commitment to both scientific discovery and pedagogical innovation. Her courses include the Phage Hunters program, integrating active research into undergraduate education.