Terence S. Crofts

Terence S. Crofts serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, leading the active Crofts Micro Lab research group. His work bridges microbiology, biochemistry, and clinical applications with a primary focus on antibiotic resistance mechanisms and host-microbiome interactions.

Dr. Crofts' research centers on the antibiotic resistome across diverse environments including soil microbiomes, infant gut ecosystems, and human pathogens. His investigations span enzymatic resistance mechanisms (particularly nitroreductases and β-lactam catabolism), corrinoid biochemistry (vitamin B12 analogs), and the critical role of microbiome composition in neonatal sepsis outcomes and cancer immunotherapy efficacy. His lab employs genomic, biochemical, and gnotobiotic mouse model approaches to dissect microbial adaptation to antibiotics.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2014-2024) reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) resistome dynamics in environmental and clinical settings, (2) microbiome-immune system crosstalk in disease models, and (3) specialized microbial metabolism of antibiotics and cofactors. His work increasingly connects fundamental resistance mechanisms to clinical outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations like preterm infants.

Dr. Crofts mentors a robust team of undergraduate and graduate researchers, as evidenced by lab group photos, award recognitions (including Elizabeth's SEBASM award), and student poster presentations. The Crofts Micro Lab maintains a collaborative environment with documented lab lunches, team activities, and active participation in scientific conferences. Lab members engage in techniques ranging from chemominipreps to metagenomic library construction, supporting the group's diverse research portfolio.