The Molecular Master (aka Eric Becraft)
Assistant Professor of Microbiology at the University of North Alabama
Scientific Experience
Assistant Professor
August 2018Â - present
Assistant Professor at the University of North Alabama
Postdoctoral Scientist at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences
June 2015 - July 2018
Team manager of NSF grant to better understand the ecology and evolution of uncultivated bacterial and archaeal lineages across the tree of life. Worked with Dr. Ramunas Stepanauskas.
Postdoctoral Scientist at Northern Illinois University
July 2013 - June 2015
Develop methods to better understand the microbial communities of The Great Boiling Spring, Nevada, and its uncultivated inhabitants. Worked with Dr. Wesley Swingley and Dr. Brian Hedlund.
Graduate Student at Montana State Univeristy
June 2006 - July 2013
The ecology and Evolution of thermophilic Synechococcus species inhabiting hot springs in Yellowstone National Park. Worked with Dr. David Ward.
Undergraduate researcher at the University of Texas at Austin
June 2003 - June 2006
Conducted research to better understand any-microbe symbiotic interactions, microbial community evolutionary dynamics, and adaptations to extreme conditions. Worked with Dr. Lauren Ancel-Meyers and Dr. Robert Goldman.
Research Interests
Microbial Ecology and Evolution
I am interested in microbial speciation and genetic modes of adaptation. The identification of uncultured Bacterial and Archaeal phyla and their contributions to the evolutionary history of microbial life on Earth. The study of microbial diversity, ecology, and evolution in the context of microbial community structure and function. The co-evolution of microbial partnerships and symbiotic interactions. Microbiology in extreme terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. Geochemical cycling and the role microorganisms play on a global scale.
Overview of Courses
Microbial Ecology and Evolution 407
Principles and procedures used in the study of the microbiology of diseases, water, foods, air, soil, sewage, and industrial processes. Modern bioinformatic approaches to understanding microbial ecology and evolution.
Microbiology 307
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Fundamentals of microbiology including a study of the history of microbiology, cell structure, physiology and growth, clinical significance, taxonomy and genetics, and ecology of microorganisms and their effects on humans and their environment.
Genetics 306
Summary of genetics, including DNA structure and function, replication, regulation and biotechnology.
Introduction to Biology 101
An introduction to cell biology, genetics, evolution, diversity, and ecology, with emphasis on examples that relate to humans.
