Thane Papke

Thane Papke is a Professor at the University of Connecticut in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology / Microbiology. His research focuses on understanding the evolutionary dynamics of non-pathogenic prokaryotes, particularly haloarchaea, using genomics, metagenomics, and population genetics to investigate genetic variation, horizontal gene transfer, and species classification challenges in extreme environments.

• Ph.D. in Microbiology from Montana State University
• Postdoctoral training in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University

Research interests are centered on Microbiology, Evolutionary Biology, Genomics, and Population Genetics, with an emphasis on how genetic exchange and ecological isolation shape microbial diversity in hypersaline environments. His work has been published in journals like Genome Biology and Evolution, Scientific Reports, and Frontiers in Microbiology.

Papke's publications highlight trends in Haloarchaea, Horizontal Gene Transfer, and Environmental Microbiology, often utilizing model organisms from hypersaline habitats to explore broader questions about prokaryotic evolution and classification.

Key methodologies in his work include genomic analysis, phylogenetics, and metagenomic approaches to study microbial communities in extreme environments. His lab also investigates biofilm formation, DNA metabolism, and cellular appendages like type IV pili in haloarchaea.