Patrick Curtis

Patrick Curtis is an Associate Professor of Biology (Microbial Physiology) at the University of Mississippi, affiliated with the Department of Biology within the College of Liberal Arts. His research focuses on microbial physiology, particularly in Caulobacter crescentus, exploring prokaryotic development, developmental signaling, and gene essentiality. He investigates how bacteria adapt to microgravity through studies aboard the International Space Station, contributing to understanding bacterial responses in space environments.

Education: B.S. Microbiology from Purdue University (2001), Ph.D. Microbiology from the University of Georgia (2007), followed by postdoctoral research at Indiana University. Joined the University of Mississippi faculty in 2012.

Research emphasizes the Caulobacter crescentus cell cycle signaling network, pilus regulation, and evolutionary adaptations. Notable work includes a 2016 NSF CAREER Award for cross-organism regulatory system studies. His lab uses tools like TnSeq to analyze gene fitness in spaceflight conditions, revealing metabolic adaptations critical for microgravity survival.

Teaching responsibilities include courses like BISC 333 (General Microbiology), BISC 438 (Microbial Physiology), and advanced graduate courses. His future goals involve engineering bacteria to aid plant growth in space, bridging microbiology and astrobiology.