Tricia Kiley

Tricia Kiley is Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of oxygen sensing and gene regulation in bacteria, particularly through iron-sulfur cluster-containing transcription factors.

Her primary research interests include:

• Molecular genetics of bacterial gene regulation
• Biochemistry of Fe-S proteins
• Oxygen and redox sensing in microorganisms
• Transcription activation mechanisms
• Global regulatory networks in response to environmental stress

Her recent publications highlight a strong focus on Fe-S cluster homeostasis, transcriptional regulation in pathogens like Yersinia, and metabolic engineering in bacteria such as Zymomonas mobilis. The articles demonstrate a consistent theme of understanding how bacteria sense and respond to environmental cues through specialized regulatory proteins, with implications for both basic science and biotechnology.

Her scientific honors include:

• National Institutes of Health National Service Award (1989)
• Shaw Scientist Award, Milwaukee Foundation (1992)
• NSF Young Investigator Award (1993)
• Vilas Associate Award (2004)
• Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology (2007)
• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2021)
• Robert Turell UWMF Professorship in Biomolecular Chemistry (2022)

Dr. Kiley has mentored numerous trainees and led significant research programs funded by NIH and other agencies. Her laboratory investigates fundamental mechanisms of bacterial adaptation, with relevance to microbial pathogenesis and industrial applications. She leads the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry and contributes to graduate training and academic leadership at UW–Madison.

She is actively involved in research and academic administration, with no indication of retirement or emeritus status.