Michael P McCann

Michael P. McCann, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, where he has served on the faculty since 1992. He previously held roles including Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (2005–2015) and multiple terms as Assistant Chair of Biology.

Education:

• BS in Biology, Saint Joseph’s University, 1987
• PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, 1993

Research interests center on microbial and fungal biology, spanning bacteriophage genomics, predatory prokaryotes such as Bdellovibrio, amino-acid metabolism and signaling in the corn smut fungus Ustilago maydis, and science-education pedagogy. His laboratory combines genomics, molecular genetics, microscopy, and undergraduate-mentored research to understand pathogenesis, starvation survival, and phage diversity.

Publication trajectories reveal an emphasis on (i) complete genome characterization of novel mycobacteriophages and gordoniaphages, (ii) systems-level analysis of amino-acid and starvation responses in bacteria and fungi, and (iii) cell-cycle and morphogenetic studies of U. maydis infection structures. These works collectively advance knowledge in microbiology, mycology, and genomics while providing authentic research experiences for students.

Scientific awards and funded projects include:

• NSF Robert Noyce Scholarship Program ($748 K)
• NSF GK-12 GeoKids LINKS ($1.7 M)
• DOE Biomass Program Institute grant ($1.225 M)
• NIH AREA award on Bdellovibrio gene regulation ($102.5 K)
• Multiple NSF MRI and CCLI grants for instrumentation and curriculum reform

McCann has mentored >40 undergraduate and master’s students, many co-authoring peer-reviewed papers and presenting at national conferences. He directs an active research group in the Biology Department and continues to lead federally funded initiatives integrating research with STEM education.