Graham Hatfull

Graham Hatfull is the Eberly Family Professor of Biotechnology and an HHMI Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. He has been a faculty member at the University since 1988, establishing himself as a leading researcher in the field of mycobacteriophages and their applications in understanding and treating mycobacterial infections.

Dr. Hatfull completed his undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences at Westfield College, University of London (1975-1978) and earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at the University of Edinburgh (1978-1981). He conducted postdoctoral research at Yale University with Dr. Nigel Grindley (1981-1983, 1984-1988) and at the MRC Cambridge with Bart Barrell and Fred Sanger (1983-1984).

Dr. Hatfull's research focuses on the molecular genetics of mycobacteria and their bacteriophages, with particular emphasis on viral diversity and evolution, genetic systems for tuberculosis, and mechanisms of site-specific recombination. His work has led to the identification and characterization of over 20,000 individual phages through the Science Education Alliance Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program, with more than 4,000 genomes completely sequenced and annotated. His lab has developed numerous genetic tools from phage genomes, including integration-proficient plasmid vectors, new selectable markers, and recombineering strategies for use in both fast- and slow-growing mycobacteria.

His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on mycobacteriophage structure, function, and therapeutic applications, with particular emphasis on treating drug-resistant mycobacterial infections. The research spans from fundamental virology and structural biology to clinical applications, reflecting a comprehensive approach to understanding and utilizing phages for both basic science and medical purposes.

• HHMI Professor
• Wildy Prize Lecture (2020-2021): "Who wouldn't want to discover a new virus?"

Through the PHIRE (Phage Hunters Integrating Research and Education) and SEA-PHAGES programs, Dr. Hatfull has mentored thousands of undergraduate students in authentic research experiences, significantly impacting science education. His lab has received substantial funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and other sources to support both research and educational initiatives. The lab maintains an extensive collection of mycobacteriophages and associated tools available to the scientific community through PhagesDB.

The Hatfull Lab operates as a vibrant research community with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate students working collaboratively on various aspects of mycobacteriophage biology. The lab has established strong collaborations with clinical researchers to explore the therapeutic potential of phages for treating drug-resistant mycobacterial infections, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis and other conditions where conventional antibiotics fail.