Kim Borges

Kim Borges serves as Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, actively contributing to the HHMI Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program since at least 2016.

Her research centers on Microbiology, Genomics, and Bioinformatics with specialized focus on Mycobacterium-infecting bacteriophages. Through SEA-PHAGES, she directs both experimental in situ phage discovery using hosts like M. smegmatis, M. aurum, and M. phlei, and computational in silico genomic analysis, integrating authentic research into undergraduate curricula.

Professor Borges has instructed four documented SEA-PHAGES sections between 2016-2017:

• Fall 2016 Afternoon Section: 14 students (11 freshmen)
• Fall 2016 Morning Section: 11 students (5 freshmen)
• Fall 2017 Bio 100: 25 students across all undergraduate levels
• Spring 2017 Bio 359: 14 advanced students

with weekly commitments ranging from 2-6 hours per course.

As a core SEA-PHAGES faculty member, she participates in this national network advancing phage genomics through undergraduate research, evidenced by her inclusion in current program infrastructure supporting 2025-2026 workshops and symposia.