Jennifer Kurushima

Jennifer Kurushima serves as a Professor in the Biology department at Evergreen Valley College, actively participating in the HHMI Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program. This national initiative integrates bacteriophage research into undergraduate curricula across multiple institutions.

Her research focuses on phage discovery, genomic analysis, and evolutionary biology, with emphasis on providing authentic research experiences for students. Through the SEA-PHAGES program, she contributes to bacteriophage genomics education using structured protocols for phage isolation, sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis. The program's framework enables students to engage in real scientific discovery from sample collection through genomic annotation.

Professor Kurushima participates in program events including Phage Discovery Workshops and the annual SEA Symposium, contributing to educational resource development such as the Phage Discovery Guide and Bioinformatics Guide. Her work supports the program's mission to increase STEM retention through course-based undergraduate research experiences.