Paul Keim

Paul Keim is a Distinguished Professor at Northern Arizona University and holds the Cowden Endowed Chair in Microbiology. He serves as a Regents Professor of Biology and leads the Pathogen Genomics Program, a joint initiative between TGen and Northern Arizona University. His work focuses on bacterial pathogen genomics, biodefense, and molecular epidemiology.

• Institution: Northern Arizona University & TGen
• Division: Immunology and Microbial Genomics Division
• Email: pkeim@tgen.org

Dr. Keim specializes in genomic forensic analysis of biothreat agents like Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), Yersinia pestis (plague), and Francisella tularensis (tularemia). His research includes understanding pathogen evolution, ecology, and epidemiology to develop advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. He has collaborated with federal agencies on bioterrorism response, notably providing critical forensic analysis during the 2001 anthrax attacks.

Key publication trends include genomic surveillance of bacterial pathogens, evolutionary dynamics, and molecular identification tools. His studies often employ whole-genome sequencing, SNP analysis, and MLVA techniques.

Scientific Awards

• Cowden Endowed Chair in Microbiology, Northern Arizona University

Dr. Keim's work has shaped modern bioforensic methodologies, particularly for anthrax and plague. His lab's 1993 analysis of the Tokyo anthrax attack linked it to Aum Shinrikyo, establishing genomic tools as critical for biocrime investigations.