Mary O'Donnell

Mary O'Donnell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Thiel College, actively engaged in the HHMI Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program. She teaches courses including Microbiology (BIO 212), Biotechnology (BIO 396), and advanced research (BIO 499), focusing on phage discovery using Microbacterium foliorum as a host organism.

Her research interests encompass:

• Microbiology
• Phage Genomics
• Evolutionary Science
• Biotechnology
• Microbial Genetics

Dr. O'Donnell has instructed multiple SEA-PHAGES sections with student enrollments ranging from 5 to 24, conducting laboratory sessions totaling 2.0 to 5.5 hours per week. Her teaching emphasizes hands-on research experience in microbial genetics and genomics, with upcoming courses scheduled through Spring 2026.

No scientific awards were explicitly mentioned in the provided text. However, her active role in the SEA program, including participation in annual workshops and symposia, underscores her contributions to science education.

She mentors undergraduate students in phage discovery and genomic analysis as part of the HHMI-funded SEA initiative. While specific grant awards are not detailed, her involvement in this national program highlights her commitment to undergraduate research training, with students engaging in phage isolation and genomic characterization.

Dr. O'Donnell's work is conducted within the Department of Biology at Thiel College, where she utilizes laboratory facilities for phage research, contributing to the broader SEA network through resources like PhagesDB and the Genome Exchange.