Biography
I teach the phage research course, general microbiology, and medical microbiology. Others areas of scholarly interest include the history of science and how disease epidemics have shaped world history. When not at Calvin, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, boating, swimming, biking, and hiking. I am also an avid music lover and can often be found at various concerts around Grand Rapids or dancing (badly) to music in my office.
Education
- Ph.D. in Microbiology, Michigan State University (2006)
- B.S. in Biology, Calvin College (2001)
Professional Experience
After graduating from Calvin College in 2001, I completed a Ph.D. in Microbiology at Michigan State University, where I focused on microbial ecology. I went on to a postdoctoral position at Michigan State, doing research in a developing (as-yet-unnamed) field where microbial ecology meets medical microbiology. As part of this postdoctoral experience, I jumped at the opportunity to teach an introductory course for biology majors, which consisted of 250 students. Jumping away from such large class sizes (among other things), I sought refuge back at Calvin, where I have been teaching since 2007.
Academic Interests
My research interests include investigating bacterial symbioses within complex ecosystems. I am particularly interested in the biochemical basis for microbe-microbe and host-microbe symbioses, which includes the detection and cultivation of novel bacteria and bacteriophage diversity. As a model, I use the termite gut (Reticulitermes flavipes), which contains as many as 700 different species of bacteria that interact in a complex web with each other and the insect host. I have been successful in isolating many novel bacteria from the termite, including members of the elusive bacterial division Verrucomicrobia. With collaborators Corrie Moreau (Field Museum), Jacob Russell (Drexel University), and Scott Powell (George Washington University), I am applying my knowledge of the termite gut to the herbivorous turtle ant (Cephalotes) system. Given the relatively nutrient-poor diet of this group of ants, this research focuses on how symbiotic bacteria have impacted the impressive diversification and ecological success of these insects.
Research and Scholarship
