Mike Harms

Mike Harms is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon. His laboratory focuses on the intersection of protein evolution, biophysics, and biochemistry, investigating how physical properties of proteins shape their evolutionary trajectories. The Harms Lab combines experimental and computational approaches to address fundamental questions about protein evolution and function.

Education:

• B.S. from Oregon State University (2000-2004)
• Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University under Bertrand Garcia-Moreno E. (2004-2008)
• Postdoctoral training at the University of Oregon with Joe Thornton (2009-2013)
• Assistant Professor at University of Oregon (2013-present), promoted to Associate Professor

Dr. Harms' research centers on evolutionary biochemistry with three major thrusts: evolution through protein sequence space, evolution of innate immune proteins (particularly S100 proteins and Toll-like receptors), and evolution of binding specificity in low-specificity proteins. His lab employs an integrated approach combining phylogenetics, high-throughput experimental screens, rigorous biophysical measurements, and computational modeling. A distinctive aspect of his research is the development of open-source software tools like pytc for isothermal titration calorimetry analysis and epistasis for genotype-phenotype map analysis.

Analysis of Dr. Harms' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on understanding how epistatic interactions shape protein evolution, with particular attention to the biophysical constraints that guide evolutionary trajectories. His work bridges fundamental evolutionary questions with implications for understanding immune system function and protein engineering. The publications span multiple high-impact journals including PNAS, eLife, Genetics, and PLOS Computational Biology, demonstrating both theoretical and experimental rigor.

Scientific Awards:

• Pew Biomedical Scholar
• Sloan Research Fellowship in Evolutionary & Computational Molecular Biology (2015)
• American Heart Association Grant (AHA-15BGIA22830013)
• Medical Research Foundation New Investigator Grant

Dr. Harms has successfully mentored numerous graduate students through PhD completion, along with many undergraduate researchers who have gone on to medical school and graduate programs. His lab is currently supported by multiple major grants including an NSF CAREER award (#1844963), NIH training grants (T32GM007759 and T32GM007413), and an NIH R01 grant (1R01GM146114-01). Previous funding includes NIH R01GM117140 and additional support from the Sloan Foundation.

The Harms Lab operates from Willamette Hall at the University of Oregon, with laboratory space in rooms 340 and 342, and office space in 340A. The lab emphasizes both scientific excellence and creating a supportive environment where all members can thrive personally and professionally, as reflected in their stated values of 'human thriving' in research environments.