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Microbiology Faculty

The Microbiology Faculty at our institution is dedicated to advancing the understanding of microbial life through cutting-edge research and innovative teaching. Our team of experts fosters a collaborative environment, preparing students for impactful careers.

Kelly Bender, Associate Professor

Research Specialties:

Environmental Microbiology; Microbes and Coal Mining Waste; Biomining of Rare Earth Elements; Anoxygenic Photosynthesis, Heliobacterial Nitrogenase Like Proteins and Ethylene Production; Sulfate-reducing bacteria; Small RNA Analysis  



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Kelly Bender Life Science II 106
618-453-2868
bender@micro.siu.edu

Derek Fisher, Professor

Research Specialties:

Bacterial Pathogenesis, Bacterial Physiology and Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Protein Phosphorylation and Degradation

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Derek Fisher Life Science III 1007
618-453-5201
fisher@micro.siu.edu
Personal Website

Scott Hamilton-Brehm, Associate Professor

Research Specialties:

Anaerobic and aerobic cultivation of microorganisms, environmental sampling.



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Scott Hamilton-Brehm Life Science III 1009
618-453-3818
scott.hamilton-brehm@siu.edu

Lahiru Jayakody, Assistant Professor

Research Specialties:

Synthetic Microbiology; Metabolic Engineering; Applied Microbiology; Microbial Fermentation; Microbial Stress Response; Molecular Biology



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Lahiru Jayakody

Life Science II, 139
618-453-2767
lahiru.jayakody@siu.edu 
Personal Website

Vjollca Konjufca, Professor

Research Specialties:

Immunology and Host-Pathogen Interactions.



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Konjufca Vjollca Life Science III 1012
618-453-8161
vjollca@micro.siu.edu

Bethany Rader, Associate Professor

Research Specialties:

Beneficial Host-Microbe Interactions, Innate Immunology, Microbial Ecology and Systems Biology.



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Bethany Rader Lindegren Hall 34
618-453-7821
bethany.rader@siu.edu