Tu Anh Huynh

Tu Anh Huynh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she leads the Huynh Lab in the Microbial Sciences Building. Her research focuses on bacterial signaling, adaptation, pathogenesis, and antibiotic resistance, with a special emphasis on the nucleotide second messenger c-di-AMP and its role in regulating bacterial physiology and virulence.

Her research interests include:

• Mechanisms of c-di-AMP signaling in stress response and adaptation
• Regulation of bacterial cell wall synthesis and antibiotic resistance
• Discovery of natural antimicrobials from food fermentation microbiota
• Pathogenesis of Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus subtilis

The recent publications from her lab highlight a strong focus on c-di-AMP metabolism, its impact on bacterial physiology, virulence, and stress response, with applications in antibiotic development and food safety. Her work spans molecular microbiology, metabolic regulation, and translational approaches to combat antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Huynh actively mentors a diverse team of scientists, including postdoctoral researchers, PhD and MS students, and technicians. Her lab has trained numerous individuals who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. She is affiliated with multiple graduate training programs, including the Microbial Doctoral Training Program (MDTP), Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB), and Food Science.

She is committed to equity and diversity in science and fosters an inclusive research environment.