Rick Alvey

Rick Alvey is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Illinois Wesleyan University, actively engaged with the Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program since 2014. He consistently teaches multiple laboratory sections annually for freshman students through this national undergraduate research initiative.

His research focuses on bacteriophage discovery and genomic analysis, utilizing bacterial hosts including Microbacterium foliorum and Mycobacterium smegmatis. His work bridges experimental microbiology (in situ phage isolation) and computational genomics (in silico bioinformatics), emphasizing authentic research experiences for early-career science students.

Dr. Alvey has instructed 15+ course sections between 2014-2025, maintaining consistent pedagogical structure: in situ courses meet twice weekly for 4 hours (16-student capacity), while in silico sections convene once weekly for 1.5-3 hours. His current teaching load includes Fall 2024 and Fall 2025 sections, demonstrating ongoing active faculty status.

As a core SEA program instructor, he contributes to a collaborative national network advancing science education through bacteriophage research, with institutional affiliation visible through the official SEA website's faculty listings and course management systems.