Margaret Riley

Margaret Riley is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with additional affiliation in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. She is actively involved in research and leads the Riley Lab, which focuses on microbial evolution, antimicrobial resistance, and genomic stability in bacterial populations.

Education:

• B.S., University of Massachusetts Amherst, 1981
• M.S., University of Massachusetts Amherst, 1983
• Ph.D., Harvard University, 1988
• Postdoctoral Training, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 1988–1990

Her research interests lie at the intersection of microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, and molecular genetics. She investigates the genomic basis of microbial species, the evolution of antibiotic resistance in natural environments, and the diversification of microbial defense systems such as bacteriocins. Her work integrates molecular phylogenetics, population genomics, and experimental evolution to understand microbial adaptation and coevolution.

The articles in her portfolio reflect a strong focus on evolutionary microbiology, particularly in understanding genomic stability versus flux, the origins of resistance, and microbial competition. These studies contribute to broader efforts in antimicrobial drug discovery and public health preparedness.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

Advising and Grants:

Dr. Riley advises students and researchers in the Riley Lab, which is currently accepting applications for Fall 2025. Her lab includes both current and former members, indicating an ongoing mentoring role. While specific grants are not listed, her research scope suggests funding in areas of microbial evolution, antibiotic resistance, and genomic studies, likely supported by federal or private research agencies.

Labs and Teams:

The Riley Lab at UMass-Amherst is actively engaged in research on antimicrobial resistance and microbial evolution. The lab participates in academic conferences such as the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference (MassURC) and offers research opportunities for students, highlighting its role in training the next generation of scientists.