Mya Breitbart

Mya Breitbart is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Biological Oceanography at the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science. Her research focuses on viral diversity and ecology, particularly in marine environments, using metagenomic and molecular approaches. She has held academic ranks from Assistant Professor (2006–2012) to Associate Professor (2012–2016) before becoming a full Professor (2016–2022) and Distinguished University Professor (2022–present).

Education: PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology (2006, UC San Diego/San Diego State University), BS in Biology (2000, Florida Institute of Technology).

Research Interests: Dr. Breitbart pioneers studies on viral abundance, diversity, and biogeography, with key contributions to viral metagenomics. Her lab investigates viruses in seawater, animals, plants, insects, zooplankton, coral reefs, and reclaimed water. Notable discoveries include viruses infecting zooplankton and single-stranded DNA viruses in invertebrates. Current work explores single-stranded DNA viruses' ecology under NSF funding.

Grants & Awards: Over $10M in grants, including NSF and NOAA projects. Recognitions include AAAS Fellow (2017), Popular Science's 'Brilliant 10' (2013), and multiple teaching and research awards at USF.

Advising & Outreach: Supervised 30+ graduate/postdoctoral researchers. Active in science education, including workshops for Girl Scouts and the Saint Petersburg Science Festival. Teaches courses on marine microbiology, virology, and professional development.

Labs & Teams: Leads the Breitbart Lab, focusing on viral genomics and ecology. Collaborates with institutions like the Florida Aquarium and international partners on projects spanning marine health and microbial biodiversity.