Matthew Mastropaolo

Matthew Mastropaolo serves as Associate Dean of Sciences and Associate Professor of Biology at Neumann University, where he actively leads the HHMI Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program. His institutional role combines academic leadership with direct involvement in undergraduate research initiatives since at least 2018.

His research centers on bacteriophage genomics and bioinformatics, specifically through phage discovery and computational analysis. He specializes in host-pathogen interactions using bacterial models like Microbacterium foliorum, Arthrobacter globiformis, and Streptomyces griseus, advancing evolutionary biology through undergraduate-driven research.

Professor Mastropaolo has taught over 150 students across 14+ SEA-PHAGES sections between 2018-2025, with course enrollments ranging from 5 to 17 students. His hybrid teaching approach blends 1-6 weekly in-person hours with asynchronous components, primarily serving juniors and seniors in biology-focused curricula. Notable recurring collaborations include co-instruction with Patricia Fallest-Strobl in 8 course sections.

As a core SEA-PHAGES faculty member, he contributes to this national HHMI-funded initiative that engages undergraduates in authentic genomic research. His work spans both wet-lab phage isolation (in situ) and computational genomics (in silico), directly supporting the program's mission to democratize scientific discovery through structured course-based research experiences.