Jo Marie Bacusmo

Dr. Jo Marie Bacusmo is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida. Specializing in General Microbiology, Bioinformatics, and International Studies, her teaching emphasizes critical thinking and active student participation. Her research focuses on tRNA modifications in bacteria, particularly their roles in translational fidelity and environmental adaptation. Key areas include Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli studies, exploring how tRNA modifications influence gene expression, protein synthesis, and bacterial physiology.

Her recent work (2024–2025) examines environmental and nutritional controls over tRNA modifications, synergistic genetic defects, and ribosome pausing effects. Earlier studies (2017–2020) utilized RNA-Seq and genomic approaches to map small RNA landscapes and analyze mutant phenotypes in yeast and bacteria. She has contributed to understanding the biosynthesis of nucleosides like t6A and their impact on cellular processes.

Dr. Bacusmo’s publications span microbiology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology, reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise. She is based in the Microbiology Building at the University of Florida, where she actively engages in teaching and research.