iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Summer throwback: MGI graduate student Bryce Waller of the Bonito Lab presented his research on creating sustainable materials from fungi at the Mycological Society of America Annual Meeting, where he attended with support from an MSA travel award. Congratulations, Bryce!

MGI graduate student Bryce Waller stands at a podium giving a research presentation at the Mycological Society of America Annual Meeting. Audience members sit facing two large screens displaying a methods slide with diagrams illustrating stages of fungal growth and processing.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

2/2 His minireview with MGI Chair Victor DiRita explores how Campylobacter jejuni exploits changes in the inflamed gut to support its growth. tinyurl.com/kw3yd5vd

tinyurl.com

Emerging Voices in Microbiology

Annual initiative highlighting standout early-career Infection and Immunity researchers through invited, peer-reviewed minireviews in Emerging Voices.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

1/2 Congrats to MGI researcher Ritam Sinha who was selected for ASM's Infection and Immunity Emerging Voices in Microbiology!

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

MGI Professor Dohun Pyeon was formally recognized as an MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor at the faculty investiture ceremony this week. The honor recognizes Dohun’s research, including his work on HPV and HPV-associated cancers. Congratulations, Dohun!

MGI Professor Dohun Pyeon stands onstage during Michigan State University’s faculty investiture ceremony as university officials prepare to present him with a medallion. Faculty members in academic regalia are seated onstage behind him.

Two Michigan State University officials place a medallion around Dohun Pyeon’s neck during the faculty investiture ceremony.

Dohun Pyeon, center, smiles for a photo with two Michigan State University officials after receiving his medallion recognizing him as an MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

MGI Assoc. Prof. Emeritus Scott Mulrooney returned to Can Tho University in Vietnam, continuing a decades-long partnership with MSU. During his visit, he taught microbiology, gave a keynote at an international biotechnology workshop, and celebrated with students at commencement.

MGI Associate Professor Emeritus Scott Mulrooney stands at the front of a classroom at Can Tho University in Vietnam, teaching students seated at rows of desks.

Scott Mulrooney speaks at a podium during the International Workshop on Innovations in Biotechnology at Can Tho University. A projected slide beside him reads “Microbial Technology: Current Needs and Future Perspectives.”

Scott Mulrooney, wearing red and gold academic regalia, speaks at a flower-covered podium during commencement at Can Tho University in Vietnam. A woman in a floral áo dài stands beside him at a second microphone.

Scott Mulrooney, wearing red and gold academic regalia, stands onstage with Can Tho University graduates in black and red gowns holding their certificates.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Danielle’s project uses a collection of bacterial isolates originating from dairy cattle. To learn more about how samples behind that collection are obtained, she joined a postdoc from the College of Vet. Med. & got some hands-on experience collecting a sample herself.

Danielle Gregory collects a fecal sample from a black-and-white dairy cow inside a dairy facility. She wears gray coveralls and reaches over a railing beside the cow.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

She’s working to understand which bacteria are more likely to be resistant and why, helping us better understand antibiotic resistance in agricultural environments.

Purple-gloved hands hold a red agar plate while streaking a bacterial culture across its surface inside a laboratory biosafety cabinet.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

🔬 Student Spotlight: Danielle Gregory Danielle is MGI graduate student working in the Manning / Dodd Lab who studies cephalosporin-resistant bacteria recovered from Michigan dairy cattle.

Danielle Gregory, wearing a white lab coat, safety glasses, and purple gloves, examines a culture plate while working inside a biosafety cabinet. Her reflection is visible in the cabinet glass.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

MGI Professor Ned Walker recently traveled to Casablanca, Morocco, to serve on Strategic Advisory Groups for two NIH-funded International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research projects. The collaborations connect malaria researchers in the U.S., Burkina Faso, and Mali.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

MGI researchers from the DiRita lab discovered that a molecule called indole can inhibit the growth of Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of food poisoning worldwide. Read more here: natsci.msu.edu/news/2026/20...

Scanning electron microscope image showing elongated bacterial cells clustered across a textured surface.

Portrait of a smiling Vic DiRita wearing a gray blazer over a plaid shirt, standing in a bright building hallway.

Portrait of a smiling Ritam Sinha with dark hair, a short beard, and glasses, wearing a white lab coat in a laboratory.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

A summer conference highlight from the Crosson Lab! Rosemary Northcote and Emily Perez presented their research at the Microbial Stress Response Gordon Research Conference. Emily also gave a talk, and Rosemary earned a poster award!

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

🦠 Brucella abortus Sean Crosson studies how Brucella survives inside its animal hosts, knowledge that could contribute to the development of vaccines and antimicrobial therapies. Happy International Microorganism Day from MGI! 🔬

Grayscale microscopy image showing a single Brucella abortus bacterial cell. A scale bar at the bottom indicates 200 nanometers, and a bright green label reads “Brucella abortus.”

A green-tinted microscopy image of Brucella abortus behind a quote from Sean Crosson, MGI professor: “We study how Brucella is able to survive inside its animal hosts. Improving our understanding of this process is important as we look towards the development of vaccines or antimicrobial therapies.”

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

🦠 Staphylococcus aureus Neal Hammer studies the relationship between metabolism, pathogenesis, and antibiotic resistance in S. aureus to help uncover new ways to treat infection.

Colorized microscopy image showing clusters of round Staphylococcus aureus bacterial cells in shades of purple against a blue background. A bright green label reads “Staphylococcus aureus.”

A green-tinted microscopy image of clusters of Staphylococcus aureus cells behind a quote from Neal Hammer, MGI associate professor: “We seek to understand the metabolic basis of Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance to find new ways to treat infection.”

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

🦠 Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rob Abramovitch studies how the bacterium that causes tuberculosis senses and adapts to stresses from the host immune system, with the goal of identifying new ways to disrupt those pathways.

Grayscale microscopy image showing numerous rod-shaped Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. A bright green label across the image reads “Mycobacterium tuberculosis.”

A green-tinted microscopy image of Mycobacterium tuberculosis behind a quote from Rob Abramovitch, MGI professor: “One of the main questions we are researching is how does Mycobacterium tuberculosis sense and adapt to stresses caused by the host immune system? Once we define these new mechanisms of sensing and adaptation, we are discovering new small molecules that block these pathways and could be used as new antibiotics to shorten the course of tuberculosis therapy.”

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

🦠 Legionella Steph Shames studies how the innate immune system controls Legionella infection, work that could also help us understand how our bodies fight other bacterial pathogens.

Close-up photo of a Petri dish showing streaks and colonies of Legionella bacteria growing on dark agar. A bright green label reads “Legionella.”

The Legionella Petri dish image is darkened with a green overlay behind a quote from Steph Shames, MGI associate professor: “The big question we’re trying to answer is ‘How is Legionella infection controlled by the innate immune system?’ It’s important to be able to combat Legionnaires’ Disease and figure out ways to harness the innate immune system to fight other bacterial pathogens.”

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

It’s #InternationalMicroorganismDay! 🦠 At MGI, microorganisms are at the center of some very big research questions, from how pathogens survive inside their hosts to how they evade immune defenses and resist antibiotics. Meet a few of the Microbes of MGI ⬇️

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Next up in our Micro Biography series is Grace Semaan, an MGI graduate student in Jim Moran's lab. Read more about Grace and her research here: tinyurl.com/3zcc6225

Portrait of MGI graduate student Grace Semaan smiling outdoors. She has long, dark curly hair and is wearing a blue top. The graphic includes her quote: “I study cyanobacteria isolated from harmful algal blooms across the Great Lakes to understand how different factors like population dynamics, nutrient availability, and temperature impact bloom occurrence.” A QR code links to more information about Grace.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Published in Science Advances, the study is also a great example of research enabled by MSU’s shared research resources. Thursday, the Cryo-EM Facility joins dozens of MSU research cores at Spartan CoreFest, where researchers can discover the tools and expertise available across campus.

Promotional flyer for Spartan CoreFest 2026, an MSU event showcasing more than 50 research cores and shared resources. CoreFest takes place Sept. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the ISTB Building. The flyer features the Spartan helmet surrounded by illustrations representing research, including DNA, a drone, molecular structures, a microscope, data graphs, and plants. Attendees can meet research experts, explore MSU research resources, and learn about available tools and services. The flyer also advertises prizes and free MSU Dairy Store ice cream and includes a QR code linking to the CoreFest webpage.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

LarC, the only known naturally occurring cyclometallase, helps build an unusual nickel-containing cofactor. Using cryo-EM, the MSU team captured the complete protein and uncovered new clues about how its different regions work together to ultimately insert nickel.

Cryo-electron microscopy structure of the complete LarC protein complex. At left, a multicolored cryo-EM density map shows the experimentally determined three-dimensional shape of LarC. At right, a corresponding ribbon model shows the protein’s molecular structure. The approximately 250-kilodalton complex was resolved at 3.4 angstroms.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

New work from MGI University Distinguished Professor Robert Hausinger and Kelly Kim’s group in MSU’s Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology has revealed the first cryo-EM structures of full-length LarC. 🧵

Portrait of Robert Hausinger, University Distinguished Professor in MSU’s Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology. Hausinger, wearing glasses and a light green button-down shirt, smiles at the camera in a bright indoor setting.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The human body fights staph infections by starving it of essential nutrients. In a new MSU study, researchers led by MGI's Neal Hammer found that Staphylococcus aureus can adjust its diet depending on what sources remain available. Read more: natsci.msu.edu/news/2026/20...

Neal Hammer, a professor in MSU’s Department of Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, smiles at the camera while standing in a bright hallway with large windows.

Colorized scanning electron microscope image of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The round bacterial cells appear in dense, grape-like clusters against a blue background.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

4/4 📸 Pictured: Bryttan working at the bench and images of a mouse cancer cell line used in her research, including a fluorescence image showing GFP expression.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

3/4 Her research aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies that target the mechanisms behind these changes, with the long-term goal of improving treatment options and outcomes for patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancer.

Fluorescence microscope image of cells from a mouse cancer cell line used in Bryttan Adams’ research, showing GFP expression.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

2/4 Bryttan studies how HPV can promote tumor progression by disrupting important cellular processes and altering gene regulation. These changes can contribute to treatment resistance and help tumors evade the immune system.

Microscope image of cells from a mouse cancer cell line used in Bryttan Adams’ research on HPV-positive head and neck cancer.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

1/4 🔬 Student Spotlight: Bryttan Adams Bryttan is a doctoral student in the Pyeon Lab studying head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, or HNSCC, the seventh most common cancer worldwide. Rates of head and neck cancers linked to human papillomavirus, or HPV, are increasing.

Bryttan Adams smiles while working at a laboratory bench in a white lab coat and blue gloves. She holds a pipette over a multiwell plate, with tubes, pipette tips and other laboratory supplies arranged on the bench in front of her.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Recent MGI PhD graduate Jasper Gomez's dissertation research was published in Nature Microbiology, and now it's been featured on "This Week in Virology." Congratulations, Jasper! Check out the link below to hear more - starting at 9:10. tinyurl.com/yusz6ypn

Jasper Gomez smiles at the camera. He is wearing a coral-colored shirt with purple octopuses on it.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

By identifying the genes involved in this response, Heather’s research could point toward new targets for more effective TB treatments. After earning her Ph.D., she hopes to pursue a research or education postdoc and ultimately become a professor at a primarily undergraduate institution.

Heather places a rack of small sample tubes into laboratory equipment displaying a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Student Spotlight: Meet MGI doctoral student Heather Murdoch. In Rob Abramovitch’s lab, Heather studies how Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, adjusts its growth depending on the carbon sources available to it during infection.

Heather Murdoch smiles at the camera while seated at a hood in the Abramovitch lab. She wears glasses, a white lab coat and gloves.

Heather Murdoch uses a pipette while working inside a hood. Her reflection is visible in the cabinet glass as she works with a small sample tube.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

3/3 That gives students a chance to see how elemental analysis might inform their own research — and some class projects have grown into longer-term collaborations. Take a look inside the course and QBEAM: tinyurl.com/3yfykvjy #Microbiology #SciComm #GraduateEducation

A graduate student records observations while working with samples and laboratory equipment during MGI 991: Metals in Biology.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

2/3 Students begin by measuring elements in water samples, then progress to techniques that can map the distribution of elements within biological tissues. Even better: they’re encouraged to bring samples and research questions from their own labs.

Close-up of a prepared tissue sample used for elemental analysis and imaging in MSU’s QBEAM facility.

Tom O’Halloran demonstrates analytical instrumentation inside MSU’s QBEAM laboratory.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

1/3 How do you teach graduate students to use complex analytical instrumentation? You let them use it. In MGI 991: Metals in Biology, students work hands-on with the advanced elemental analysis and imaging tools in MSU’s QBEAM facility. 🧵

Keith MacRenaris works alongside graduate students as they operate analytical instrumentation during MGI 991: Metals in Biology.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

And she wasn't the only MGI connection at the meeting! Professor @microgem.bsky.social Gemma Reguera joined MGI alum and ASM President Vaughn Cooper on a panel hosted by MGI doctoral student Julia Kelliher, alongside Lawrence David of Duke and Simon Roux of the DOE Joint Genome Institute. 💚

Lawrence David, Vaughn Cooper, Simon Roux, Julia Kelliher and MGI Professor Gemma Reguera pose together following a panel at ASM Microbe 2026.

Julia Kelliher hosts a panel at ASM Microbe 2026 that includes MGI Professor Gemma Reguera, MGI alum and ASM President Vaughn Cooper, and Simon Roux.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

MGI graduate student Maria Guzman took her research to #ASMMicrobe 2026 in Washington, D.C., this summer! 🦠 Maria shared her work with the microbiology community through both a talk and a poster at the American Society for Microbiology's annual meeting.

Maria Guzman of Michigan State University's Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology speaks during a presentation at ASM Microbe 2026 in Washington, D.C.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu/news_overvie...

osteopathicmedicine.msu.edu

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Congratulations to MGI DO/PhD student Mehdi Abed, who welcomed the MSU COM Class of 2030 at this week’s White Coat Ceremony! As Student Association President, Mehdi shared a message of collaboration, humility and community. Way to represent MGI, Mehdi! 💚

MGI DO/PhD student Mehdi Abed speaks during the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine White Coat Ceremony welcoming the Class of 2030.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Congratulations to MGI Ph.D. candidate Maddy Quinlan, who received an @asm.org award for her poster presentation at the 2026 Molecular Genetics of Bacteria and Phages Meeting in Madison! 🎉🦠 We love seeing our students & their research recognized by the microbiology community. Well done, Maddy!

MGI Ph.D. candidate Maddy Quinlan smiles beside her research poster at the 2026 Molecular Genetics of Bacteria and Phages Meeting in Madison, Wisconsin.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Khoshnaw works in the Quinn and Waters Labs, and he will be working on microbial bile acid metabolism and its pharmacological applications for his PhD.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

MGI grad student Aram Khoshnaw has been appointed to a position in the Integrative Pharmacology Science Training Program, supported by the IPSTP T32. These positions are highly competitive and selective and will provide a full year of support. Read more: tinyurl.com/bdzdtfkc

Aram Khoshnaw poses for a picture. He is standing in front of windows.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Congratulations to MGI Prof. Andrea Amalfitano on being featured in the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine's 2026 College of Osteopathic Medicine Research Report. The story highlights his work advancing gene and immune-based therapies for rare diseases. tinyurl.com/mrxbnswz

tinyurl.com

Genes as Medicine: Advancing a New Era of Osteopathic Innovation

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Exciting new research from the Reguera Lab! Turns out that small changes in the environment make a big difference in the Geobacter cell envelope! Read more below!

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Next up in our Micro Biography series, meet Bryce Waller - an MGI grad student in the Bonito Lab working on developing sustainable materials using fungi. Learn more about him and his research here: tinyurl.com/52rack9b

Bryce Waller stands and smiles at the camera. He is standing in front of an extremely colorful painting.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Five students participated in this year's Summer Research Opportunity Program, also known as SROP. They worked in labs, conducted research, and then ended the summer by giving presentations and posters. Thank you to our MGI mentors for making it possible!

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Ira was one of just 8 grad students recognized & she presented at the grad student symposium. Photo credits: Society for Molecular Biology & Evolution social media team.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Congratulations to MGI doctoral student Ira Zibbu @coolscootre.bsky.social, who received a Graduate Student Excellence Award at the Society for Molecular Biology & Evolution meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark! @official-smbe.bsky.social

Ira Zibbu stands on a stage and gives a talk to a full and attentive crowd. She is wearing a mic, and the scene looks like a TED talk with a dark curtain behind lit up with blue lights. There is a large bouquet of flowers off to the right side, and there is a table with water bottles as well.

This is a dark green rectangle with a small picture of Ira Zibbu and her name with a quote reading, "Presenting at my first conference as a PhD student and meeting researchers from across the world made it a particularly special experience."

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

MGI grad student Kendall Mara recently attended the 26th Biennial Congress of the International Organization for Mycoplasmology in Krakow, Poland, where she presented research from her thesis & work from MSU's VDL. Congrats on representing MGI on the international stage!

MGI grad student Kendall Mara stands next to the sign with the name of the IOM 2026 Krakow conference and the supporters. She is pointing up the sign and smiling.

MGI grad student Kendall Mara stands next to her research poster. She is smiling and wearing the name tag from the conference.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Sophia and other members of the Hulin Lab also traveled to Traverse City this summer to collect diseased tissue samples from sweet and tart cherry trees. These samples will help researchers better understand how these pathogens evolve and expand their host range.

A beautiful cherry orchard in northern Michigan. Rows of trees, green grass, and a bright blue sky with clouds stretched across it.

A clump of bright red cherries hangs from a tree.

This is a view of the grass strip between two rows of cherry trees at the orchard.

A clump of dark red cherries hangs from a tree. Close-up.

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MSU MGI @msumgi.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Earlier this summer, Sophia presented her research at the American Phytopathological Society North Central Division meeting. Her talk examined genomic differences among isolates of Pseudomonas amygdali pv. morsprunorum, a pathogen associated with bacterial canker in stone fruit.

Liberto stands behind a lectern delivering her talk.

Liberto stands behind a lectern delivering her talk. You can also see a large screen with her slide on it, and the room full of people listening to her.

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