Mike Winfrey and Mark Rott's biographies

About the Authors

Michael R. Winfrey, Ph.D.

Dr. Michael Winfrey is a professor of microbiology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and has been in the department since 1981. He has a strong commitment to science education, teaches several microbiology courses, and has research interests in molecular microbial ecology.

Address:: Department of Microbiology; University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; La Crosse, WI 54601; (608) 785-6964 (office); (608) 785-8258 (lab); (608) 785-6959 (fax)

Education:: B.S. Microbiology, 1974, Texas A&M University; M.S. Bacteriology, 1976, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Ph.D. Bacteriology, 1978, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Professional Employment:: Post Doctoral Fellow, 1978-1981, Montana State University; Adjunct Assistant Professor, 1981, Montana State University; Assistant Professor, 1981-1985, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; Associate Professor, 1985-1989, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; Professor, 1989-present, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Current Courses Taught:

Introductory Microbiology (lecture and lab)
Bacterial Physiology (lecture and lab)
Bacterial Diversity (lecture and lab)
Aquatic Microbial Ecology (lecture and lab)

Current Research: My primary area of research involves microbial cycling of mercury in aquatic environments and the application of molecular methods to the study of microbial ecology. I am currently interested in the regulation of mercury resistance genes in natural habits, and bioremediation applications of mercury resistant bacteria. I am also interested in the use of rRNA targeted probes to evaluate microbial populations in nature.

Favorite prokaryote: Aquaspirillum magnetotacticum and other magnetotactic bacteria

Hobbies: Windsurfing, cross country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, woodworking, cooking, gardening, and making Christmas ornaments with bacteria

Marc A. Rott

Dr. Marc Rott is an associate professor of microbiology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and has been in the department since 1992. He teaches several microbiology courses, and has research interests in microbial genetics and molecular biology.

Address:: Department of Microbiology; University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; La Crosse, WI 54601; (608) 785-6965 (office); (608) 785-6958 (lab); (608) 785-6959 (fax)

Education:: Journeyman's card, 1981, Bricklayer's Local #13; B.S. Bacteriology, 1986, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Ph.D. Bacteriology, 1992, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Professional Employment:: Assistant Professor, 1992-1995, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; Associate Professor, 1995-present, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Current and Past Courses Taught:

Introductory Microbiology (lecture and lab)
Microbial Genetics (lecture and lab)
Advanced Genetics (Graduate level)
Independent Research
Molecular Biology

Current Research: Currently, my research efforts are focussed on several projects. Several students are working to characterize the genes required for alcohol metabolism in the photosynthetic procaryote, Rhodobacter sphaeroides. A graduate student is constructing a genomic map ot the bioluminescent bacterium, Vibrio fischeri using pulsed-field mapping technology. A third project focusses on the development of a PCR-based test to differentiate the eggs of paddlefish and sturgeon. It is hoped that this test can be used by members of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to more effectively monitor the spawning of these ancient fish.

Favorite prokaryote: Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus

Hobbies: Fishing, ice fishing, fly fishing, worm fishin', and day dreaming about fishing...

Please address your questions,comments and suggestions concerning the manual to Mike Winfrey or Marc Rott

Created by Tom Volk

Last Updated: March 22, 1997