Matthew Jennings

Dr. Matthew Jennings serves as an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Wilkes University, maintaining his office in Cohen Science Center Room 231. His contact information includes email (matthew.jennings@wilkes.edu) and phone ((570) 408-4581), reflecting his active engagement in academic duties.

His educational background features:

• PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Arkansas (2016)
• MS in Biology from Villanova University (2010)
• BS in Biology/Philosophy from the University of Scranton (2005)

Dr. Jennings' research centers on microbial physiology and biotechnology, with specialization in methanogen systems, cave microbiology adaptations, and engineered living materials. His laboratory investigates calcification mechanisms in Escherichia coli and develops genetic tools for cave-derived microbes to enhance their utility in self-healing construction materials and CO₂ sequestration applications. This work bridges environmental microbiology with practical biotechnological solutions.

Publication trends from 2010-2025 reveal consistent focus on microbial mineralization processes, particularly carbonate precipitation in bacterial systems. His research portfolio demonstrates evolution from foundational archaeal stress response studies toward applied biotechnology, with recent emphasis on engineered living materials and antimicrobial strategies. The interdisciplinary nature spans environmental science, materials engineering, and molecular microbiology.

Dr. Jennings teaches core microbiology courses including BIO 113 (Microbiology), BIO 326 (Immunology and Immunohistochemistry), BIO 327 (Medical Microbiology), and BIO 329 (Virology), integrating his research expertise into undergraduate and graduate instruction.