Kate Hummels

Assistant Professor

The bacterial cell envelope is critically relevant to human health. Not only is the cell envelope the interface used by bacteria to interact with their environment (such as the human host), but it also remains one of our best targets for antibiotics. While the biosynthetic enzymes responsible for building the cell envelope have been well characterized, we know very little about the factors involved in controlling cell envelope production and homeostasis. In the Hummels lab, we use a combination of genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology to investigate the regulation of cell envelope biosynthesis and maintenance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is infamous for antibiotic resistance. By better understanding the players involved in these essential processes, we hope to identify new targets for therapeutic development.

Coordination of outer membrane and cell wall biosynthesis. Gram-negative bacteria, such as P. aeruginosa, are characterized by a multi-layered cell envelope consisting of an inner membrane, a cell wall made up of peptidoglycan (PG), and an asymmetric outer membrane with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) comprising the outer leaflet. Both the LPS and PG biosynthetic pathways utilize the essential cell envelope precursor UDP-GlcNAc, but how it is appropriately partitioned to support optimal cell envelope expansion is poorly understood. A major focus in the Hummels lab is to investigate the regulatory strategies involved in balancing use of UDP-GlcNAc between the competing but essential LPS and PG metabolic pathways

Education:

B.S. Microbiology, 2013, University of Iowa
Ph.D. Microbiology, 2019, Indiana University
Postdoctoral Fellow, 2019-2023, Harvard Medical School

Research Areas:
Microbial Physiology
Molecular Microbiology
Labs:
Hummels Lab
Selected Publications:

See our papers on PubMed here!

Biology Education Researcher Candidate Seminar

Dr. Qi Cui

Innovating Graduate and Undergraduate Education

Dr. Qi Cui
UC San Diego
404D Biological Sciences Building
Type of Event:
Department Seminars

Dr. Qi Cui is a candidate for the Biology Education Researcher position in the Department of Microbiology. This seminar highlights aspects of research they would bring to the university as well as the benefits that would come to other departments the position is associated with. 

Abstract or other information:
Cui Abstract (208.39 KB)

Biology Education Researcher Candidate Seminar

Dr. Robert Erdmann

The role of education data science in crafting a more welcoming and inclusive academy

Dr. Robert Erdmann
University of Minnesota-Rochester
404D Biological Sciences Building
Type of Event:
Department Seminars

Dr. Robert Erdmann is a candidate for the Biology Education Researcher position in the Department of Microbiology. This seminar highlights aspects of research they would bring to the university as well as the benefits that would come to other departments the position is associated with.  

Abstract or other information:
Erdmann Abstract (192.14 KB)

Kevin Riedmuller Receives NSF's Graduate Research Fellowship

Riedmuller Announcement

The Microbiology Department is pleased to announce that Kevin Riedmuller has been selected to receive the prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. The National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing a research-based masters or doctoral degree.

2022-23 OTA Award Winners

2023 OTA

The Microbiology Department is proud to announce that Chantel Duscent and Chris Moxley have been chosen as 2022-23 OTA recipients. The Center for Teaching and Learning administers the Outstanding Teaching Assistant (OTA) award, sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Instruction. This award recognizes teaching assistants who demonstrate superior teaching skills while serving in the classroom or laboratory.

Congratulations Chanty and Chris!

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