Rebecca S. Balish

Rebecca S. Balish is a Teaching Professor and Lead Departmental Advisor in Microbiology at Miami University. She earned her PhD in Nutrition and Health Science from Emory University. Her research develops molecular tools for environmental remediation, particularly phytoremediation techniques using genetically modified plants to extract toxic metals like mercury from contaminated soils.

Professor Balish teaches foundational microbiology courses including MBI 115/116 for majors and MBI 121/123 for non-majors. She advises capstone projects and serves as a University Studies advisor. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes connecting microbiological concepts to real-world environmental challenges.