Robert J. Maier, Ph.D.
Microbial Physiology
University of Georgia

Research Interest

Virulence by pathogenic bacteria

Research Vision

Employ the tools of molecular biology and physical biochemistry to understand the processes used by human pathogens to cause disease. For my lab, this involves studying the sequestration and mobilization of metals by bacterial pathogens to make them more virulent. Multidisciplinary approaches and collaborations are necessary to achieve high impact studies today. I also see the training of diverse scientists who can communicate the importance of academic research to the public, the press, to industry, and to other specialists in legal or societal issues as an increasingly important goal of academic researchers.

In the Lab

We have recently demonstrated that some human pathogenic bacteria are able to use molecular hydrogen, produced as a consequence of normal intestinal flora, as an energy source for growth while residing in the animal. The roles of hydrogren use by the pathogen vary with the pathogen and the tissue environment colonized. The use of hydrogen is a clever ploy to maintain a population of the pathogen in the infected animal, yet avoid competing with the host for energy sources the host normally uses.

Why Georgia?

My area of research is perfectly complemented by the microbiology faculty and other researchers here. Opportunities from academic research to application and even entrepreneurial  avenues abound here.  The expanding research environment in this state, with its emphasis on integrating pure scientific knowledge with growth of commercially applicable and cutting edge technology is an outstanding one. Being a part of these growth initiatives brings unsurpassed personal and professional reward.


Other University of Georgia Eminent Scholars

Clifton A. Baile , Ph.D. Agricultural Biotechnology
M. Bruce Beck , Ph.D. Water Quality and Environmental Systems
Jeffrey Bennetzen , Ph.D. Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics
Stephen Dalton , Ph.D. Molecular Cell Biology
Roberto Docampo , M.D., Ph.D. Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Cellular Biology
Harry Gilbert , Ph.D. Bioenergy
Michael J. Hannafin , Ph.D. Technology Enhanced Learning
Robert J. Maier , Ph.D. Microbial Physiology
Egbert Mundt , D.V.M., Ph.D. Poultry Medicine
Vasu Nair , Ph.D., D.Sc. Drug Discovery
James H. Prestegard , Ph.D. NMR Spectroscopy
Steven L. Stice , Ph.D. Animal Reproductive Physiology
Ralph A. Tripp , Ph.D. Animal Health Vaccine Development
Chung-Jui Tsai , Ph.D. Forest Biotechnology
Bi-Cheng Wang , Ph.D. Structural Biology
Ying Xu , Ph.D. Bioinformatics



Robert J. Maier
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