Elizabeth Alm

Elizabeth Alm is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Central Michigan University, affiliated with the Institute for Great Lakes Research within the College of Science & Technology. Her work bridges microbiology, environmental science, and public health, with a strong emphasis on the ecological dynamics of pathogens in natural and human-impacted systems.

Education:

• A.B., Randolph-Macon Woman's College, 1983
• M.S., Ball State University, 1986
• Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1992
• Postdoc, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1992–1996

Her research focuses on microbial ecology and environmental and public health microbiology, particularly in aquatic environments. She investigates the sources, transmission, and fate of pathogenic microorganisms such as fecal indicator bacteria, antibiotic-resistant strains, E. coli, avian influenza virus, and more recently, SARS-CoV-2 through wastewater surveillance. Her lab integrates molecular and microbiological techniques to understand how pathogens persist and spread outside the host environment.

Although no specific publications are listed in the provided text, her research trajectory indicates strong engagement with environmental virology, microbial source tracking, and One Health applications, particularly at the intersection of wildlife, water quality, and human health.

Scientific Awards:

• University Excellence In Teaching Award (2014)
• College of Science & Technology Outstanding Teaching Award (2008)

She actively mentors students through her research lab and teaches key courses including Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Conservation Medicine, and Vaccine Science. While specific grants are not mentioned, her ongoing projects—especially in wastewater surveillance—suggest current funding and collaborative research activity. Her lab contributes significantly to understanding pathogen dynamics in freshwater ecosystems, particularly around the Great Lakes region.

Elizabeth Alm leads a multidisciplinary research team focused on environmental health, operating under the Institute for Great Lakes Research. Her team applies cutting-edge molecular tools to real-world public health challenges, positioning her work at the forefront of environmental microbiology and disease surveillance.