Office Address
1479 Gortner Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
United States
Peter Kennedy
Professor
Plant and Microbial Biology
Our research integrates multiple biological disciplines: mycology and microbiology, ecology and evolution, and molecular biology and biochemistry. Though field sampling and experiments, along with greenhouse, growth chamber, and culture-based studies, we seek to mechanistically understand how both biotic and abiotic factors influence the structure and functioning of ecological communities.
Research statement
Symbioses among microbes and other organisms play a central role in the ecology and evolution of life on Earth. My lab studies the diversity and function of microbial communities in a wide range of ecosystems, particularly those forming symbioses with plants. We use both field- and lab-based observations and experiments to investigate how microbial communities are structured and their ecological roles in ecosystems throughout Minnesota and worldwide.
Education and background
Degrees earned
- B.S. - The Evergreen State College 1999
- Ph. D. - UC Berkeley 2005
Awards and honors
- PMB Wardle Chair of Microbial Ecology – 2023-present
- Mycological Society of America Fellow – 2023
- C.I.E.S Fulbright Fellow, Colombia - 2019
- Mycological Society of America C.J. Alexopoulus Prize (Outstanding Research by an Early Career Mycologist) - 2015
- International Mycological Association Buller Prize (Outstanding Young Mycologist from North America) - 2014
- Mycological Society of America Martin-Baker Research Award - 2012
- C.I.E.S Fulbright Fellow, Mexico - 2010
Teaching statement
I strive to expose students to a variety of different learning opportunities, from lectures and primary literature discussions to hands-on field- and laboratory-based research. My teaching philosophy includes: 1) providing opportunities for students to directly participate in the process of science whenever possible, 2) stressing the importance of critical and quantitative thinking, 3) rooting knowledge in history, while stressing modern issues at the cutting edge of biology, and 4) sharing my deep enthusiasm for the diversity of life on earth.
Courses taught at UMN
- Foundations of Biology (Biology 2003)
- Plant, Algal, Fungal Diversity (Plant & Microbial Biology 3007)
- Field Mycology (Plant & Microbial Biology 5812/3812)
Research Seminars
- 2025: University of Georgia
- 2024: Harvard University
- 2023: St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
- 2023: Center for Tree Science, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
Professional experience
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Associate Dean for Research, College of Biological Sciences, 2022-2024
- Professor, 2020-present
- Associate Professor, 2013-2020
- Interim Curator of Fungi, Bell Museum, 2017-2019
Lewis & Clark College
- Assistant Professor, 2007-2013
University of California, Berkeley
- NPER Post-doctoral Fellow, 2005-2007
Current grants
- National Science Foundation & Department of Energy