Ursula Jakob

Ursula Jakob is the Patricia S. Yaeger Collegiate Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) at the University of Michigan. She holds a B.S. (1991) and Ph.D. (1995) from Regensburg University, Germany. After postdoctoral research at the University of Michigan and roles as an Assistant Research Scientist, she joined the faculty in 2001. Her research focuses on oxidative stress, aging mechanisms, and microbial defense, with particular interest in how oxidants influence host defense and longevity. Her lab explores molecular chaperones like Hsp33 and investigates polyphosphate’s role in cellular processes. Jakob has been recognized with awards including the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award and election to the Bavarian Academy of Sciences.

Education and Career Path: B.S. and Ph.D. from Regensburg University (Germany), followed by postdoctoral training at UM and faculty appointment since 2001. She leads the Jakob Lab, which studies redox regulation, protein folding, and aging. Key contributions include discoveries about bleach’s antimicrobial effects and the role of early-life oxidants in lifespan determination.

Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress defense, redox regulation in aging, polyphosphate’s multifunctional roles, and protein chaperone dynamics. Her work bridges basic science and translational applications, such as developing therapies to combat microbial infections and age-related diseases.

Awards and Honors: Biomedical Career Award (2000), UM Faculty Recognition Award, Bavarian Academy membership (2014), and UM Biological Scholar designation.