Graham F. Hatfull

Graham F. Hatfull is the Eberly Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, where he leads the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program. This initiative transforms undergraduate science education across 150+ U.S. institutions through authentic phage discovery research.

His research focuses on bacteriophage genomics and evolution, directly contributing to breakthroughs in combating bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance. The SEA-PHAGES program has enabled thousands of students to participate in real scientific discovery, with their collective work broadening understanding of phage genetic diversity and yielding experimental therapies for Mycobacterium infections as highlighted in recent clinical applications.

Award Highlights:

• HHMI Professor for pioneering science education innovation

Through SEA-PHAGES, Hatfull's mentorship model has demonstrably increased student persistence in science careers. The program's longitudinal impact includes 4,800+ students at 73 institutions engaging in phage genomics research over five years, generating discoveries with translational potential for infectious disease treatment. His work integrates large-scale undergraduate participation with cutting-edge genomic analysis to address global health challenges.