Vernita Gordon

Vernita Gordon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Texas at Austin (since 2018), previously serving as an Assistant Professor there from 2010 to 2018. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University (2003) and a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics from Vanderbilt University (1997). Her research focuses on understanding how physical characteristics like mechanics and spatial structure influence bacterial biofilms, particularly their interactions with the immune system and resistance to antibiotics. She has pioneered techniques such as laser trapping to manipulate biofilm structures and studies radiation effects on bacteria like Deinococcus radiodurans.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Harvard University (2003)
• B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics, Vanderbilt University (1997)

Research Interests:

Dr. Gordon’s work integrates biophysics, microbiology, and materials science to explore biofilm mechanics, bacterial mechanosensing, and radiation biology. Key areas include:

• How biofilm mechanics resist immune clearance and antibiotic treatment
• Role of surface stiffness and shear stress in biofilm initiation
• Radiation resistance mechanisms in Deinococcus radiodurans
• Development of tools like laser trapping to study biofilm structure

Key Achievements:

• Recipient of the Elizabeth B. Gleeson Professorship (2023) and Texas Mindset Initiative Fellowship (2023)
• Provost’s Teaching Fellow (2020–2024) and multiple teaching awards
• Funded by NSF, NIH, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, including in Nature, PNAS, and Biophysical Journal

Advising & Outreach:

She mentors graduate students in Physics, Microbiology, and Biomedical Engineering, emphasizing interdisciplinary training. Her group actively recruits undergraduates and collaborates with industry partners like Solvay and the College of Pharmacy. Outreach includes lesson plans for high school STEM education and community science initiatives.

Labs & Collaborations:

Her lab uses advanced microscopy, microrheology, and computational modeling. Key collaborations include work with the Contreras Lab (UT Austin Chemical Engineering) on radiation-resistant bacteria and the Raizen Lab (UT Austin Physics) on self-sterilizing surfaces.