Holly Pinkart

Holly Pinkart is Professor of Biology at Central Washington University specializing in microbial ecology of extreme environments, particularly saline-alkaline ecosystems like Soap Lake in Washington State.

Education

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of Tennessee (1996)
• B.S. in Microbiology (Chemistry minor), California State University, Long Beach (1990)

Her research focuses on microbial physiology in alkaline environments, investigating extremophile diversity, biogeochemical cycling (especially sulfur and iron), and bioremediation applications for heavy metals and perchlorate. Current projects include characterization of novel archaeal species, bacteriophage interactions, biofilm dynamics, and microbial ethanol production from lignocellulose.

Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent emphasis on soda lake microbiology, with key contributions to understanding extremophile adaptation, microbial community structure in meromictic lakes, and biogeochemical processes in high-pH environments. Her work bridges fundamental microbial ecology with practical environmental applications.

Professor Pinkart maintains an active NSF-funded research laboratory providing substantial opportunities for undergraduate and graduate researchers. She requires significant student commitment to experimental work and presentation at venues like SOURCE, with projects frequently involving field studies at Soap Lake and advanced molecular characterization techniques.

Her laboratory operations center on microbial ecology in extreme environments, with specialized capabilities for studying alkaliphilic microorganisms, mineral-microbe interactions, and bioremediation processes under high-salinity/high-pH conditions.