Kelly Abshire

Kelly Abshire is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Miami University, actively engaged in the HHMI Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program. She serves as primary instructor for MBI 223 (Phage Discovery) courses, specializing in bacteriophage research through hands-on undergraduate education.

Her research focuses on microbial genomics and phage evolution, utilizing Microbacterium foliorum as a host organism for phage isolation. The program emphasizes discovery-based learning where freshmen students conduct original phage research, contributing to genomic databases through bioinformatics analysis and laboratory techniques.

As a core SEA-PHAGES educator, she has instructed 60+ freshmen across three academic years (2018-2021), maintaining consistent 2.5-hour weekly laboratory sessions. Her work supports the national initiative to integrate authentic research into undergraduate curricula, advancing both microbial science and science pedagogy.

Dr. Abshire collaborates extensively with Dr. Rebecca Balish on course delivery and program development, operating within Miami University's Department of Microbiology. She participates in SEA network events including annual symposia and faculty meetings, contributing to the program's expansion in phage genomics education.