Isaac Cann

Isaac Cann is a Professor of Animal Sciences and Affiliate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He leads research in archaeal DNA replication, host-microbiome interactions, and enzymes for biofuel production. His work is affiliated with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), focusing on Microbiome Metabolic Engineering and Biocomplexity themes.

• Education: B.Sc. (Hons) in Animal Sciences (University of Ghana, 1986), M.S. and Ph.D. in Rumen Microbiology (Mie University, Japan, 1991–1994), Postdoctoral studies at UIUC (1994–1997).
• Affiliations: Professorships in Nutritional Sciences, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, and Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies.

His research explores microbial enzymes for biofuel production, gut microbiota’s role in fiber digestion and health, and archaeal DNA replication mechanisms. Key contributions include identifying enzymes for plant cell wall degradation and understanding microbiota-derived metabolites’ impacts on human health.

Awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2003), UIUC Excellence in Guiding Undergraduate Research (2012), and the Paul A. Funk Award (2014). His lab collaborates across disciplines to advance sustainable energy and microbial systems research.