Archaea are microorganisms that share a close evolutionary relationship to eukaryotic cells and are separate from bacteria. Stemming from this distinct placement within the tree of life, archaea offer a chance to acquire fresh perspectives on essential mechanisms in cell biology. Our objective is to reveal the molecular strategies employed by archaea to regulate and catalyze cellular functions, with a focus on pathways that promise fundamental insights into the realm of cell biology.

Extremophiles are organisms that thrive in environments once thought to be uninhabitable to life, such as hot springs, hydrothermal vents, and hypersaline lakes. Study of extremophiles provides an opportunity to advance knowledge of how cells withstand extreme desiccation, UV radiation, oxidation, high temperature, hypersalinity, low or high pH, low nutrient, and toxic metals -- factors that typically damage or impair cells. Our objective is to advance understanding of how cells operate under these extreme boundaries of life.

We aim to understand the structure and function of microbial systems—using theoretical, experimental, and computational methodologies. Proteomics, transcriptomics, comparative genomics, chromatin immunoprecipitation with sequencing (ChIP-seq), activity-based chemical probes, interactomes, mutant libraries, protein 3D-modeling, post-translational modification profiles, and other global approaches are used to reveal complex interactions within biological systems.

Industrial practices often consume non-renewable feedstocks or generate toxic byproducts that are harmful to humans and the environment. GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designated microorganisms and their enzymes provide useful alternative strategies in generating fuels and chemicals from renewable feedstocks including agricultural waste. We aim to advance the use of microorganisms and their enzymes as biocatalysts in green chemistry. Our long-term goal is to develop industrial processes that produce chemical products and biofuels in a manner that is controlled, sustainable, and eliminates the production of hazardous substances.

Admissions and Application Information

The University of Florida Graduate School requires an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to be eligible for admission. Fulfillment of the minimum requirement does not guarantee an applicant’s acceptance into the program. In evaluating each applicant, the department’s Graduate Committee members include in their consideration a thorough review of the transcript, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, area of research interest, etc. Students are encouraged to complete undergraduate coursework in biochemistry and microbiology before they apply.

How to Apply

Admission into the UF Microbiology and Cell Science graduate program requires that an applicant be accepted both by the UF Graduate School and by the Microbiology and Cell Science Department. To complete the application process, apply online via the Graduate School admissions web site and select the “Graduate” option to create an account and begin your application. Visit the UF Graduate School web page for step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Select the “Apply Now” icon below to go directly to the Ph.D. Application.

Students are admitted to the PhD program each fall semester. Applications must be completed by December 15th to be considered for admission the following fall semester.

We are not currently accepting applications for the thesis master’s degree program.

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Required Application Materials

• Application fee of $30.
• Official Transcripts.
• CV or resume.
• Three letters of recommendation (LOR). We suggest that candidates request LOR from professional/academic mentors or colleagues that can comment on their academic/research experiences.
• Personal statement. The personal statement should consist of a brief essay describing your research experience, career goals, and area of research interest (limit 500 words)
• Supplemental information. Use this form to provide additional information that will be reviewed by the admissions committee
• International Applicants must also submit TOEFL scores (a score of 23 or higher on the speaking section is required to be considered for admission).
  • TOEFL Score Codes for UF: Institution Code is 5812, Department Code is 07
  • We do not accept the IELTS

Please contact Jacqueline Lee at jlee9@ufl.edu if you have any questions regarding the application process or deadline.