Dr. Penelope Higgs is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Main Discipline(s):
Main Professional Societies:
Affiliation(s):
- Microbiology
- American Society of Microbiology
- Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University
What are your undergraduate and graduate degrees in and from where?
My undergraduate training was started at the University of Victoria (Victoria, BC) and finished at Washington State University (Pullman, WA) in the Microbiology division of the School of Molecular Biosciences. After I completed my BSc degree, I was offered a job as a research tech the lab of Prof. Kotty Postle. I loved her lab (and research in general) so much that I asked to join the PhD program in the same lab. I graduated with my PhD in 2001.
Give a brief summary (250 words or less) of your current area of research.
I am interested in investigating the molecular mechanisms used by bacteria to build biofilms. Biofilms are surface-associated bacterial communities encased in a self-produced matrix. In the biofilm state, bacteria become highly tolerant to cleaning agents and antibiotics and are an important factor in environmental biofouling and/or disease progression. My group is interested in understanding how biofilms are formed so that scientists can capitalize on this knowledge to design strategies to prevent them from forming. Our model organism, Myxococcus xanthus produces a specialized biofilm in which cells are induced to follow different cell fates: differentiation into environmentally resistant spores, programmed cell death, formation of a persister-like state, or production of inert, extracellular matrix-encased aggregates. We use genetic, cell biology, and biochemical approaches to identify and functionally characterize proteins involved in the regulatory network required to produce these specialized biofilms.
How did you arrive at your current area of research?
I have always been interested in the molecular mechanisms that drive biological systems, and microorganisms in particular. I did my PhD work in one of the most understood and “simple” bacteria, E. coli. After that, I was drawn to one of the most poorly understood and complex bacteria, Myxococcus xanthus.
What do you see as a current emerging area of research that you would like to participate in and why?
I think it is crucial to continue to understand how environmental microorganisms influence, and are influenced by, our changing climate. I would like to start to understand how the myxobacteria (the large group of bacteria related to M. xanthus) are involved in carbon cycling in the environment. Some of these ubiquitous myxobacteria are cellulolytic and others predate on microorganisms- can they shape the carbon availability in their environmental niches?
Tell us your (one) favorite STEM research paper or book. Why it is your favorite?
Lots- I love well-written research papers! It changes all the time. Recently, I watched “Picture a Scientist” which details some of the difficulties female scientists have experienced during their careers.
Do you have a favorite scientist, engineer or other role model? Who is it and why?
Honestly, I am impressed with my scientist colleagues, especially those that serve as mentors to junior women in science. My love for understanding how things work has been fostered by some amazing, tough but inspiring female mentors (even if I didn’t recognize it at the time)!
What do you do for fun outside of your role as a woman in STEM?
Hiking, reading, hanging with my family, and travelling.