Wook Kim, Ph.D.

Dr. Wook Kim acquired fundamental knowledge and research skills in microbiology and pathogenesis during his BS and MS studies in Canada. His PhD research with Michael Surette focused on multicellular behaviors, intracellular communication, and antibiotic resistance. As a NSERC postdoctoral fellow with Stuart Levy at Tufts University, he characterized novel genes that are expressed exclusively in a microbe’s natural environment. Seeking to incorporate ecological and evolutionary principles, he began to work with Kevin Foster at Harvard University, which subsequently led to a research associate position with the same group at the University of Oxford. Here at Duquesne, Dr. Kim’s research integrates concepts and experimental approaches from multiple disciplines to characterize diverse mechanisms of microbial interaction. He strives to contribute to our progressive understanding of the microbial world and uncover hidden regulatory connections within microbial genomes.

• BS Microbiology, University of Guelph
• MS Microbiology, University of Guelph
• PhD Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary

Microbes are often generalized as simple and selfish creatures that lead a pendulum-like life of feast or famine. Within these boundaries, however, lies a complex world that is shaped by conflict and cooperation among highly interactive individuals that closely associate with one another. Dr. Wook Kim hypothesizes that many important microbial phenotypes that impact our lives immensely, in both positive and negative ways, have their roots in interactions among the microbes. Therefore, understanding microbes and their societal impacts requires an understanding of their social adaptation and evolution.

Dr. Kim's research focuses on the mechanisms of microbial interaction at three scales: the study of multicellular behaviors that manifest via pre-wired genetic circuits, the study of de novo mutations that forge new interactions, and the study of natural interactions between ecologically and clinically linked strains and species. A multidisciplinary approach is employed, exploring diverse questions ranging from evolution and ecology down to molecular structure and function:

• Experimental evolution, structure-function, bioinformatics, and phylogenetics.
• Phenotype-genotype analyses across temporal and spatial scales.
• Intracellular and extracellular biological compounds that shape and modulate multicellular interactions.
• Regulatory systems that govern the production of interactive compounds and multicellular behaviors.

Dr. Kim and the team welcome inquiries for research opportunities from individuals highly motivated to explore the fascinating world of microbes.