Michael Wollenberg

Dr. Michael Wollenberg is an Associate Professor of Biology and Department Chair at Kalamazoo College. He holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BA from Swarthmore College. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of bioluminescence in Photorhabdus luminescens, including its interactions with nematodes and insect hosts. He investigates bacterial symbiosis, microbial ecology, and the regulation of light production genes. Dr. Wollenberg teaches courses in microbiology, molecular biology, and evolutionary biology.

Education:

• PhD in Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• BA in Biology, Swarthmore College

Research Interests: Photorhabdus luminescens bioluminescence evolution, Photorhabdus-nematode symbiosis, bacterial competition dynamics, and microbial community ecology. His lab uses interdisciplinary approaches including genetics, biochemistry, and computational biology.

Grants & Awards:

• NSF ISO 1755230 (2018–2022)
• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2005–2008)
• NIH Traineeships in Oral Health & Microbial Disease (2010–2013)

Teaching: Courses include BIOL 322 General and Medical Microbiology, BIOL 295 Computational Tools for Biologists, and BIOL 112 Evolution and Genetics. He emphasizes growth mindset and active learning in his pedagogy.

Lab & Outreach: The Wollenberg Lab actively involves undergraduates in research. Current projects explore bioluminescence regulation and host-microbe interactions. His work has been featured in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Applied and Environmental Microbiology.