Ph.D., 1993, Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA M.S., 1988, Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA B.S., 1985, Biology/Microbiology, Illinois State University, Normal, IL

  Natural Microbial Products Research  My research area has focused on the study of bacteria or their enzymes that make natural microbial products or processes. Natural microbial products are ecologically friendly and benefit society. Leuconostoc are gram-positive, non pathogenic, lactic acid bacteria classified within the Firmicutes (low G + C) phylum. The genus naturally inhabits soil and vegetation and many strains are involved in the fermentation processes of numerous vegetable, dairy, and industrial products. Leuconostocs are a valuable source of α-glucan polymers, polymer-derivatives, and oligosaccharides.  The carbohydrate products are made from glucosyltransferases and sucrose phosphorylase enzymes made by Leuconostoc during sucrose metabolism. I have been examining the production, expression, and regulation of these enzymes. Microbial Fuel Cell Research Microbial fuel cells are devices that can convert organic materials including organic waste products from food processing or livestock production into electricity or hydrogen through the activity of microorganisms.  I’m interested in the isolation, characterization, and phylogenetics of microorganisms that can adapt to the microbial fuel cell environment.