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Faculty

Faculty in the College of Biological Sciences conduct research on a broad range of subjects, from molecules to ecosystems, and make discoveries that improve human health, restore the environment, provide new sources of renewable energy and enhance agriculture. Here you will find a collection of news, features and opportunities for and about CBS faculty.

Failure to Communicate

“Silencing” bacteria may give scientists an antibiotic-free route to controlling infections and balancing the microbiome.

Mikael Elias

New Weapons in the Oak Wilt Wars

Drones, planes and satellites add early detection opportunity to combat the rapid spread of oak wilt.

Oak trees at Cedar Creek

It sounds like something out of a tree horror movie: After spreading silently below the ground from an infected neighbor, a fungus creeps its way up through a tree’s trunk, choking off its lifeblood and eventually killing it.

Plague Is Not Going Anywhere

Learning from Soviet Union’s extensive and failed efforts to eradicate plague.

Mention the Black Death and visions of overcrowded 14th-century European cities teaming with rats come to mind. Despite the association of plague with crowded cities the disease didn’t originate there. Plague is caused by a bacterium regularly found in flea and rodent populations across Central Asia’s rural areas, where it first appeared.

Checking in With Dean Forbes - May 2019

This time of year is always a little bittersweet. The frenetic activity of April gives way to the quiet focus of finals week, and of course we will soon bid farewell to a class of newly minted graduates. Later this week well over 400 graduating seniors will walk across the stage at 3M Arena to the loud cheers of their peers, family and friends. It’s an inspiring and emotional experience for all. If you want a sense of the emotions evoked by this annual rite of passage, take a moment to watch this year’s commencement video.

Checking in With Dean Forbes -- April 2019

April is always an incredibly busy time for all as momentum builds toward the culminating event of the year, commencement. This year, I’m pleased to announce that Plant and Microbial Biology Professor George Weiblen will be our speaker. George has achieved so much as a scholar but also in the areas of conservation and community engagement. He will no doubt serve as an inspiration for our soon-to-be graduates.

Back to the Start

Aaron Engelhart and Kate Adamala join NASA-funded team with the aim of finding the origins of life.

NASA

In pondering the big questions of life, few are bigger than, ‘Where did we come from?’ Aaron Engelhart and Kate Adamala are undaunted.

Checking in With Dean Forbes -- February 2019

Welcome back! As we embark on spring semester I want to share a few updates with you. We’re in the thick of student recruitment season both at the undergraduate and graduate level. Prospective students are coming to campus to learn more about what we have to offer that is distinct from other institutions. The high caliber of research that happens here -- and by extension the research opportunities available to them -- is at the top of the list.

Scientists set target for a healthy diet, balancing human welfare and the planet’s ability to provide

With food production impacting everything from biodiversity to climate change, a global team of researchers—including a University of Minnesota professor—have established the first scientific targets for a healthy diet that balances food consumption and the planet's ability to sustainably support human welfare.