Erica M Hartmann

Erica M Hartmann is an Associate Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care) and holds a secondary appointment at the McCormick School of Engineering. Her research bridges environmental microbiology, metagenomics, and public health, focusing on microbial interactions in built environments and their implications for antibiotic resistance and human health.

Her work explores the microbiology of indoor spaces, chemical-microbe interactions, and the application of synthetic biology to combat pathogens. She has developed innovative protocols for metagenomic analysis, including DNA extraction, viability assays, and functional gene discovery. Her NSF CAREER Award (2021) supports research redefining antimicrobial interactions in indoor environments.

The 15 most recent publications highlight her contributions to metagenomic methodologies, antibiotic resistance dynamics, phage-bacteria interactions, and microbial responses to pollutants. Her studies span diverse environments—from aircraft filters to household dust—and emphasize the intersection of human health, environmental microbiology, and engineering solutions.

Scientific Awards:

• NSF CAREER Award (2021)

Research Trends: Her recent work focuses on microbial dark matter, built environment microbiomes, and strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance using synthetic biology and environmental interventions.