Professor Kenn Gerdes at Newcastle University is a leading researcher in molecular microbiology, focusing on bacterial persistence mechanisms, toxin-antitoxin systems, and cell division regulation. His work bridges biochemistry, genetics, and systems biology. Key research areas include: RNA cleavage and translation inhibition by toxin-antitoxin modules Role of (p)ppGpp in bacterial dormancy Dynamics of plasmid segregation via ParA/ParB systems Structural analysis of bacterial cell division proteins His publications highlight collaborations with researchers like Dr. Kristoffer Winther, Dr. Etienne Maisonneuve, and Dr. Andrew Fenton. Articles span topics such as VapC toxin function , HipA-mediated persistence , and ParA ATPase dynamics , reflecting interdisciplinary contributions to bacterial physiology and antibiotic resistance. He has mentored numerous postgraduate researchers, including Dr. Kristoffer Winther and Dr. Etienne Maisonneuve, who co-authored studies on RNA interferases and plasmid segregation.
Prof. Dr. Henning Jacob Jessen holds the Chair of Bioorganic Chemistry at the University of Freiburg's Institute of Organic Chemistry. His research integrates chemistry and biology to investigate cellular phosphate conjugates, including inositol pyrophosphates, magic spot nucleotides, and condensed phosphates. Research focuses on developing chemical tools for biological studies, metabolic pathway analysis, and therapeutic applications. Key areas include enzymatic synthesis of phosphate derivatives, metabolic flux analysis, structural biology of phosphate transporters, and inhibitor design for kinases. Recent publications demonstrate innovation in: Advanced LC-MS methods for metabolite profiling Chemoenzymatic synthesis of inositol derivatives Structural mechanisms of phosphate transporters Mathematical modeling of metabolic flux Development of kinase inhibitors with therapeutic potential He leads a large research group with multiple postdoctoral researchers and PhD students investigating phosphate biochemistry across biological systems.
Elizabeth Libby is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Northeastern University, where she joined in January 2021. Her research is affiliated with the Institute for Chemical Imaging of Living Systems, and she leads the Libby Lab focused on interdisciplinary biological engineering. Her educational background includes: PhD in Physics, University of Pennsylvania, 2011 BS in Physics, Stanford University, 2005 She completed postdoctoral training in Microbiology at Columbia University and served as a Departmental Fellow in Systems Biology at Harvard Medical School (2016-2020). Dr. Libby's research integrates synthetic biology and microbiology to engineer predictably functioning biological systems through protein engineering , microbial genetics , and systems biology . Her work targets bacterial signaling mechanisms (particularly Ser/Thr kinases), antibiotic tolerance pathways, and biosensor development for both fundamental discovery and practical applications in combating resistance. Analysis of her publications reveals a consistent trajectory from foundational studies of bacterial chromosome dynamics (2010-2015) toward applied synthetic biology solutions. Recent work (2021-2024) emphasizes single-cell biosensors and computational modeling of kinase signaling, while her 2015-2020 publications established critical links between phosphorylation networks, phenotypic variation, and antibiotic persistence in biofilms. Her major recognitions include: NIH R35 MIRA Award ($1.96M, 2022) for research on bacterial Ser/Thr kinases in antibiotic resistance Harvard Medical School Departmental Fellowship in Systems Biology (2016-2020) Dr. Libby directs an active research program funded by the NIH MIRA grant investigating bacterial signaling systems, with implications for next-generation antibiotics. She mentors students through projects like the 2024 iGEM competition entry that engineered compost microbes to produce mint/lavender scents, demonstrating translational applications of her lab's core biosensor technologies. The Libby Lab operates at the intersection of molecular engineering and microbial physiology, maintaining strong affiliations with Northeastern's Institute for Chemical Imaging of Living Systems and collaborating on interdisciplinary initiatives including synthetic biology education and environmental biotechnology applications.
Petra Levin is the George William and Irene Koechig Freiberg Professor of Biology and Associate Chair of Faculty Research and Development at Washington University in St. Louis. Her work focuses on bacterial cell division, nutrient sensing, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms. She holds a PhD from Harvard University and has pioneered studies on how environmental conditions like nutrient availability and pH influence bacterial cell size and division dynamics. Research Interests include: Cell cycle coordination with environmental signals Molecular mechanisms of cell size control ppGpp-mediated antibiotic tolerance FtsZ cytoskeletal dynamics Environmental pH effects on cell wall synthesis Recent work highlights how nutrient starvation induces metabolic changes that enhance antibiotic resistance, with implications for clinical settings. Her lab uses multidisciplinary approaches combining genetics, biochemistry, and microscopy. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2005), Fulbright Scholarship (2015), and election to the American Academy of Microbiology (2018). She co-hosts the This Week in Microbiology podcast and founded the EnTER program supporting underrepresented students in STEM.
Professor Jonathan Dworkin is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. His research program investigates fundamental mechanisms of bacterial survival under stress, with particular emphasis on quiescent cell physiology and antibiotic tolerance phenomena. As a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, he maintains an active laboratory employing multidisciplinary approaches spanning genetics, biochemistry, and single-molecule biophysics. Dr. Dworkin's research focuses on how bacteria survive nutrient limitation and other stresses through downregulation of protein synthesis, with major contributions to understanding ribosome hibernation via ppGpp signaling and Hibernation Promoting Factor. His work reveals how these molecular mechanisms contribute to antibiotic persistence and tolerance in pathogens. Current investigations examine nucleotide signaling networks, ribosome dimerization, and Ser/Thr phosphorylation systems that regulate bacterial dormancy. His recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to structural microbiology, bacterial signaling, and persistence mechanisms. Key findings include elucidating the structural basis of peptidoglycan synthesis complexes, demonstrating transcriptional regulation of ribosome hibernation, and characterizing how phosphorylation networks drive phenotypic variation in antibiotic tolerance. His laboratory employs innovative techniques including single-molecule imaging, in vitro reconstitution, and chemical biology approaches. Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science Professor Dworkin maintains an active research program with substantial grant funding supporting investigations into bacterial persistence mechanisms. His laboratory serves as a training ground for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers pursuing careers in microbiology and infectious disease research. While specific student names aren't listed in available materials, his publications show consistent mentorship of junior researchers through co-authorship on significant publications. The lab maintains strong collaborations with structural biologists and chemical biologists to advance understanding of bacterial stress survival. Dr. Dworkin's laboratory investigates fundamental questions of bacterial physiology with implications for antibiotic development. His team employs a comprehensive toolkit including genetic manipulation, biochemical reconstitution, single-molecule microscopy, and structural analysis to dissect molecular mechanisms of persistence. Current work focuses on ribosome protection systems, nucleotide signaling networks, and phosphorylation cascades that regulate bacterial dormancy states.
Dr. Mark Coleman is an Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from Imperial College London (1988) and a BSc in Biochemistry from the same institution (1983). His primary teaching responsibilities include: Molecular Biology and Genetics (module organizer) Plant Biology Microbiology Genomics Research focuses on: Plant disease mechanisms Genetic approaches to plant pathology Biofuel production from biomass Duckweed bioconversion processes His publications demonstrate a progression from fundamental plant pathology research to applied bioenergy studies, with recent work focusing on duckweed as a bioethanol feedstock. Coleman has held administrative roles including Director of International Teaching and multiple course director positions.
Llorenç Fernandez Coll is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Girona , affiliated with the Department of Biology and the Intestinal Disease Microbiology Research Group . He holds a PhD in Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology from the Universitat de Barcelona (2015). Education PhD in Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology (Universitat de Barcelona, 2015) His research focuses on bacterial stress responses, particularly the role of the secondary messenger (p)ppGpp and its interactions with RNA polymerase proteins (DksA, GreA) in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica . Current work investigates (p)ppGpp's impact on AIEC pathogenesis in inflammatory bowel disease. Previous NIH research explored (p)ppGpp's effects on bacterial DNA topology, protein acetylation, and growth dynamics. Key scientific awards include the Beatriu de Pinós postdoctoral fellowship to study (p)ppGpp's role in AIEC pathogenicity. Contact: llorens.fernandez@udg.edu | Office: L-112, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 40, Girona
Gert Bange is a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Marburg since 2018 and serves as Vice Managing Director of SYNMIKRO since 2019. He holds a dual affiliation as a Max Planck Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg since 2021, operating at the intersection of academic and Max Planck research structures. His research program focuses on three interconnected areas: Microbial Response to Environment : Investigating how nutritional alarmones (p)ppGpp globally reprogram bacterial replication, transcription, translation and metabolism during nutrient limitations and environmental stresses Host-Microbe Interface : Studying molecular communication mechanisms that determine whether microbe-host interactions become pathogenic, symbiotic or opportunistic Microbial Surface Structures : Examining flagella biogenesis, spatial-numerical regulation, and ecological roles in host-microbe interactions and biofilm formation Prof. Bange combines structural biology with systems and cell biology approaches to understand microbial molecular inventory. His work has significant implications for understanding bacterial adaptation in diverse environments. His laboratory benefits from the collaborative environment of SYNMIKRO Research Center, the Department of Chemistry at University of Marburg, and the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, reflecting his integrated research approach across institutional boundaries.
Dr. Yuhong Zuo is a Researcher in the Department of Pharmacology at Yale University School of Medicine. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of Miami (2002), with earlier degrees including an MS in Chemistry (University of Miami, 1996) and BS in Applied Chemistry (Peking University, 1990). Her research focuses on structural and mechanistic studies of RNA polymerase, transcription initiation complexes, and exoribonuclease enzymes. Key areas include bacterial transcription regulation, RNA processing pathways, and protein-DNA interactions. Dr. Zuo has contributed to over 20 peer-reviewed papers since 1996, with recent work elucidating transcription mechanisms in E. coli and structural insights into RNA polymerase function. She serves as a reviewer for journals like Journal of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Cell , and has held prestigious awards including the American Heart Association Postdoc Fellowship (2003, 2005) and the Maytag Fellowship (1994). Education: PhD: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Miami, 2002 MS: Chemistry, University of Miami, 1996 MS: Radiochemistry, Shanghai Institute of Nuclear Research, 1993 BS: Applied Chemistry, Peking University, 1990 Research Highlights: Crystallographic studies of E. coli RNA polymerase and σ-factors Structural basis of transcription initiation/elongation transitions Functional analysis of exoribonucleases (RNase T, RNase R, etc.) Regulation of transcription by ppGpp and RapA proteins Her work bridges structural biology with enzymology, advancing understanding of fundamental biological processes and potential therapeutic targets in bacterial systems.
Mohammad Roghanian is affiliated with Newcastle University as a researcher, contributing to molecular biology and biochemistry. His work focuses on transcription regulation, RNA polymerase mechanisms, and bacterial gene expression. Molecular Biology Biochemistry Microbiology Genetics Cell Biology Biophysics Mohammad Roghanian's research, as reflected in his publications (2010–2015), explores transcription fidelity, bacterial persistence, and the roles of DksA/ppGpp and HipA in gene regulation. He has collaborated with prominent researchers like Professor Nikolay Zenkin and Dr Yulia Yuzenkova on studies involving RNA polymerase dynamics and global regulatory mechanisms. His publications include analyses of transcription inhibition by Tagetitoxin, multi-subunit RNA polymerase activity, and the interplay between trigger loop and Gre factor in RNA polymerase. These works span molecular genetics, enzymatic accuracy, and structural biology, with a focus on bacterial systems.
Petra Levin is the George William and Irene Koechig Freiberg Professor of Biology and Associate Chair of Faculty Research and Development in the Department of Biology at Washington University. She holds a PhD from Harvard University and leads the Levin Lab, which investigates fundamental processes in bacterial systems including cell growth regulation, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and cell division dynamics. Her research bridges microbiology, biophysics, and molecular genetics. Education includes: PhD in Biological Sciences, Harvard University Her research explores how bacteria adapt to environmental stressors such as nutrient limitation, with implications for antibiotic resistance and persistence. Key areas include: Coordination of cell size and growth rate with nutrient availability ppGpp-mediated antibiotic tolerance during starvation Regulation of FtsZ assembly for spatial/temporal control of division Membrane composition's role in determining cell envelope capacity Her recent publications demonstrate strong focus on bacterial stress responses, cell wall plasticity under varying pH conditions, and mechanistic insights into persister cell formation. Article themes consistently address microbial physiology under environmental constraints. Dr. Levin's laboratory employs genetic, biochemical, and advanced imaging approaches to study bacterial systems. She mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers while collaborating widely on antibiotic resistance initiatives.
Jade Wang is a full Professor in the Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on bacterial stress response mechanisms, particularly how bacteria coordinate cellular processes under environmental stress. She holds prominent positions as a trainer in multiple interdisciplinary graduate programs, including Molecular Biosciences, Genetics, and Cellular and Molecular Biology. Her work integrates genetics, biochemistry, and high-throughput approaches to study signaling networks in model organisms like Bacillus subtilis and E. coli . Education: B.Sc. Physics (McGill University, 1995), Ph.D. Biochemistry (University of California, San Francisco, 2002), Postdoctoral Research (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Research Interests: The lab investigates how bacteria manage metabolic conflicts during stress, focusing on nucleotide signaling molecules like (p)ppGpp and Ap4A. These molecules regulate metabolism, macromolecular machinery coordination, and genome integrity. Key projects include understanding persister cell formation, GTP synthesis via pyruvate kinase, and the interplay between replication and transcription machineries. Publications: Recent work highlights her lab’s discoveries in persister mechanisms, GTP-driven metabolic control, and mutagenesis from replication-transcription conflicts. Over 50+ publications span Nature Microbiology , mBio , and Current Opinion in Microbiology . Awards: 2022 Vilas Associate Award, 2018 American Academy of Microbiology Fellowship, HHMI Faculty Scholar (2016), and NIH New Innovator Award (2008). Lab Team: Includes graduate students (e.g., Jared Brown, Arunima Kalita) and postdocs (e.g., Fukang She, Aude Trinquier), focusing on projects like GTP dynamics and antibiotic resistance. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training and collaborative projects. Future Directions: Extending studies on nucleotide crosstalk, developing tools for single-cell imaging (e.g., mother machine analysis), and applying findings to combat antibiotic resistance in pathogens.
Julie Viala is a Researcher at the Laboratory of Macromolecular Systems Engineering (LISM) , CNRS UMR7255, affiliated with Aix-Marseille University. Her work focuses on bacterial multi-protein complex assembly, particularly in pathogens like Salmonella and Escherichia coli . Research Themes Gene regulation (e.g., FadR, IscR, ppGpp) Bacterial stress responses (envelope, oxidative, pH) Protein acylation and secretion systems (T3SS) Iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis and membrane dynamics Methodologies Biochemical and genetic analysis of bacterial systems Transcriptional and post-translational regulation studies Protein interaction mapping (e.g., IacP-SipB) Her publications span 2000–2023, emphasizing integrative approaches to bacterial physiology. Collaborations include teams at CNRS and Aix-Marseille University, with contributions to journals such as Journal of Molecular Biology , PLoS Genetics , and Cellular Microbiology .
Vicky Shingler is a full Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University (Sweden), where she leads the Victoria Shingler Lab. Her research focuses on bacterial signal sensing, gene expression regulation, and environmental adaptation through sigma factors and alarmone signaling. Education: BSc in Biological Sciences (Leicester University, 1980) PhD in Molecular Genetics (University of Birmingham, 1984) Research interests span: Environmental signal integration in bacteria σ54-dependent transcriptional regulation Role of ppGpp/DksA in gene expression Type VI secretion system control Catabolite repression mechanisms Stress response signaling Recent publications highlight her work on: Sigma factor DNA-binding specificity Alarmone signaling in biofilm dynamics Transcriptional bypass mechanisms C-di-GMP signaling networks Styrene degradation regulation Scientific awards include: Special Research Position (Swedish Natural Sciences Foundation, 1995-2002) Her lab investigates bacterial lifestyle determination through regulatory signal integration, with applications in environmental microbiology and infection biology. Collaborations span multiple molecular biology disciplines, and her work informs both fundamental microbial physiology and environmental pollutant degradation strategies.
Dr. Yong E Zhang is an Associate Professor (tenured) in the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science, specializing in bacterial stress response mechanisms. He was promoted from Tenure Track Assistant Professor in September 2024 after joining the university in 2019. His research focuses on understanding bacterial persistence mechanisms, particularly the role of the (p)ppGpp alarmone system in antibiotic tolerance. Zhang earned his PhD from University of Aix-Marseille II & CNRS, France in 2012 and completed his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at Shandong University, PR China in 2006. Prior to his current position, he held prestigious fellowships including an MSCA Research Fellowship at the Centre of Bacterial Stress Response and Persistence (BASP) at University of Copenhagen (2016-2018) and an EMBO Research Fellowship at Imperial College London's Centre of Molecular Bacteriology and Immunity (2013-2016). His research program investigates bacterial stress modulation mechanisms, second messengers and their intracellular homeostasis, and bacterial tolerance to antibiotics and phages. Zhang's lab employs systems biology tools like DRaCALA to identify novel (p)ppGpp binding proteins in E. coli, with recent work deciphering how target protein PpnN regulates the balance between bacterial proliferation and persistence. His research has significant implications for addressing the global healthcare crisis of multidrug-resistant and tolerant bacterial infections. Zhang's publication record shows consistent high-impact output with 24 publications totaling over 960 citations, including 7 first-author and 11 corresponding-author papers. His work spans molecular microbiology, structural biology, and bacterial pathogenesis, with recent publications in Molecular Cell, Journal of Biological Chemistry, and Nature Microbiology. His research frequently examines the stringent response, nucleotide metabolism, and bacterial persistence mechanisms. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (2016-2018) EMBO Long-Term Fellowship (ALTF 721-2013) (2013-2016) Zhang has secured over 17.5 million DKK in research funding from prestigious sources including the Carlsberg Foundation (7.0 M DKK), Villum Foundation (2.5 M DKK), and Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond (2.9 M DKK). He has supervised 5 PhD students, 8 MSc students, and 7 BSc students. Zhang serves as course responsible for Molecular Microbiology (15 ECTS) at the bachelor level since 2019/2020 and is an active reviewer for top journals including Cell, Nature, and Molecular Cell.
