Jose Hernandez

Jose Hernandez, Ph.D., serves as Professor and Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at Midwestern University's College of Graduate Studies in Arizona. His academic leadership spans biochemical research, graduate education, and departmental administration within the institution's health sciences framework.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. and M.S. from the University of Zaragoza (Spain), followed by postdoctoral training at the University of California, Berkeley. Hernandez maintains active teaching responsibilities in biochemistry courses including Biochemistry I (BIOCG 1511/1512) and Biochemistry II (BIOCG 1522/1523), with scheduled instruction through 2025.

Hernandez's research centers on microbial metal biology, with two primary thrusts: (1) Metal-responsive transcription factors (Fur, Zur, PerR families) in Klebsiella sp. pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance development, and (2) Metallochaperone mechanisms in nitrogenase iron-molybdenum cofactor assembly using Azotobacter vinelandii models. His work integrates genetic, microbiological, and biochemical approaches to investigate metal homeostasis in pathogens and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on nitrogenase biochemistry (7 papers), metal cofactor assembly (5 papers), and vector-borne disease mechanisms (4 papers), demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise bridging inorganic chemistry, microbiology, and infectious disease research. His work appears in high-impact journals including Nature Communications (120 citations) and PNAS (62 citations).

Professional activities include teaching core biochemistry curriculum for multiple health science programs including Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.), and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.). His laboratory investigations target therapeutic applications against infectious diseases through manipulation of metal-dependent bacterial pathways.