Pu Wang
[email protected]
Office Address

5-110 MCB
420 Washington Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States

Lab Address

United States

Pu Wang

Teaching Assistant Professor
Biology Teaching and Learning,
Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development
Research Publications

I conducted extensive investigations into the eco-evolutionary dynamics within collective microbial communities. This included the study of various microbial organisms such as Tetrahymena (protozoa), Pseudomonas (bacteria), and Kluyveromyces (yeast). I delved into microbial population genetics to unravel the underlying mechanisms of multicellularity.

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Research statement

What is the origin of life? What drives diversity on Earth? I use an experimental evolution approach to address these questions. By studying the population genetics of lab-evolved microbial communities, I can reconstruct their evolutionary trajectories. I have used my microbial projects to develop teaching modules, allowing students to learn about genetics, cell biology, ecology, and evolution in a fun and immersive way. I am interested in using these non-simulated experimental modules to stimulate students’ fascination in biology, learn how to do science, and develop critical thinking skills.

Education and background

  • Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior 2021
  • M.S., Ocean University of China, China, Ecology, Marine Biology 2015
  • B.S., Ocean University of China, China, Biological Science 2012
  • Assistant Professor, Grinnell College, IA 2022-2023
  • Visiting Assistant Professor, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, MN 2021-2022
  • Competitive Grant, Grinnell College 2022
  • Summer Collaborative Grant, College of St. Benedict and Saint John’s University 2022
  • Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, University of Minnesota 2020
  • The Wallace & Mary Lee Dayton Fund Natural History Award, Bell Museum 2020
  • Carol H. and Wayne A. Pletcher Fellowship, College of Biological Science, University of Minnesota 2020
  • Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Summer Research Award, University of Minnesota 2019, 2020
  • Itasca Graduate Fellowship, College of Biological Science, University of Minnesota 2019
  • Natural History Award, Bell Museum 2018
  • EON/ ELSI Winter School Fellowship, Tokyo Inst. Of Tech, Japan 2017
  • Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Summer Research Award, University of Minnesota 2016, 2017, 2018
  • Chinese Government National Fellowship, China 2013