معرفی
Gwendowlyn Knapp is an Assistant Professor of Biology and Program Coordinator of Health Sciences at Illinois College. She teaches courses in microbiology, immunology, and virology, and serves as the Pre-Med advisor. Her research focuses on antimicrobial resistance, particularly identifying novel treatments and sources of antimicrobials through soil bacteria analysis. She emphasizes fostering student curiosity in lab work, encouraging exploration of bacterial behavior.
Education:
- B.S. in Molecular Biology, Purdue University
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Texas A&M University (studied protein-protein interactions)
- Postdoctoral Training in Infectious Diseases at Wadsworth Center, NY (with an NRSA F32 Fellowship studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis gene expression)
Research Interests:
Dr. Knapp’s lab combines fieldwork and molecular techniques to investigate antimicrobial resistance. By analyzing soil bacteria, they seek to discover new treatments for resistant infections. Her work bridges basic science and practical applications, aiming to address global health challenges like antibiotic resistance. She integrates student-driven projects, leading to placements in top medical and graduate programs.
Scientific Awards:
- NRSA F32 Fellowship (Wadsworth Center)
Advising & Grants:
Guides students into prestigious programs (e.g., SIU Medical School, U of Minnesota Graduate School). Focuses on undergraduate research mentorship without explicitly listed grants, prioritizing hands-on learning over grant-dependent projects.
Labs & Teams:
Runs the Knapp Laboratory at Illinois College, emphasizing bioprospecting for antimicrobials and fostering collaborative, curiosity-driven research among students.
