Hannah Ledvina

Hannah Ledvina serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Her research investigates bacterial immune systems as evolutionary models for understanding universal immune signaling mechanisms across life forms.

Education:

• PhD in Microbiology (2020), University of Washington under Dr. Joseph Mougous
• Postdoctoral training at University of Colorado Boulder with Dr. Aaron Whiteley as Jane Coffin Childs Fellow

Research Focus: The Ledvina Lab examines how organisms defend against pathogens through bacterial immune pathways, with emphasis on bacteriophage defense mechanisms. Key discoveries include bacterial regulation of immune pathways via E1/E2 ubiquitin-transferase enzymes and functional amyloid proteins that protect against predatory bacteria. This work reveals structural and functional homologies between bacterial and human immune systems.

Publication Trends: Her recent Nature publications demonstrate evolutionary conservation of immune mechanisms, spanning bacterial antiviral defense systems, ubiquitin-like signaling pathways, and novel amyloid-based defense strategies. These studies establish fundamental principles of immune signaling applicable across biological kingdoms.

Scientific Recognition:

• Leading Edge Fellow (2023)
• Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellowship

Dr. Ledvina leads an active research program from her laboratory in the Biological Sciences Building (3C West), advancing molecular understanding of immune signaling. While specific grant details aren't provided, her work bridges microbiology, immunology, and molecular evolution through innovative experimental approaches.