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Ann Stevens

Professor of Biological Sciences
stevens
5036 Derring Hall (MC 0406)
926 West Campus Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
USA

Major Field of Interest

Molecular Microbiology

Current Research

The Stevens lab works in the general field of molecular microbiology with an emphasis on bacterial environmental sensing and gene regulation.  The majority of the research projects focus on the phenomenon of bacterial quorum sensing, a mechanism whereby bacterial cells communicate with one another through the use of small molecules called autoinducers.  By understanding this mode of bacterial gene regulation, methods to manipulate it in ways beneficial to society may be discovered.  Historically, the group has studied quorum sensing in the symbiotic bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri.  Current work in the laboratory, using modern molecular-based techniques, involves studies about quorum sensing in the corn pathogen (Pantoea stewartii) and a foodborne human pathogen (Vibrio parahaemolyticus).

  • 2004-2010 Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech
  • 1997-2004 Assistant Professor, Biology (now Biological Sciences), Virginia Tech
  • 1992-1996 Postdoctoral Research, Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. Advisor: Dr. E. Peter Greenberg
  • 1987-1993 M.S. and Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
  • Advisor: Dr. Abigail A. Salyers. Ph.D. Dissertation: A central regulatory locus controls tetracycline regulated functions on a Bacteroidestetracycline resistant conjugal chromosomal element.
  • 1983-1987 B.S. with Distinction, Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Advisor: Dr. John G. Holt
  • 2018 Virginia Tech William E. Wine Award for Excellence in Teaching
  • 2017 College of Science Outstanding Graduate Student Mentor Award
  • 2017 Virginia Tech CIDER Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Award
  • 2014 Virginia Tech Academy of Faculty Service
  • 2013 College of Science Outreach Excellence Award, with others
  • 2011 CIDER Teacher of the Week
  • 2010 Most Influential Professor, senior class Biological Sciences
  • 2009 Advisor of the Year, Univ. Student Leadership Award from Dept. of Student Activities
  • 2009 Virginia Tech Alumni Teaching Award, Member Academy of Teaching Excellence
  • 2005-2008 Recognized for teaching efforts by three VT student organizations
  • 2004 & 2007 College of Science Certificate of Teaching Excellence
  • 2002-2017 Department of Biological Sciences Outstanding Teaching (4) and Advising (2) Awards
  • 1999-2004 NSF CAREER Award Recipient
  • 1994-1996 NIH Postdoctoral Trainee in Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa
  • 1987-1991 DeBoer Fellowship, Excellent Instructor Ranking, Monsanto Fellowship, NIH, Predoctoral Trainee in Cell & Molecular Biology, University of Illinois
  • 1983-1987 Dean's List, Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi, Iowa State University