Michael Bertucci | Photo by Adam Atkinson
Research area: My research program focuses on the study of molecules, particularly short proteins (peptides) that are involved in a cell density-dependent communication phenomenon in bacteria known as quorum sensing. Designing chemicals that modulate bacterial quorum sensing has been shown to have downstream impacts on human health, such as reducing antibiotic resistance and gut inflammation. Consequently, my work spans the fields of organic chemistry, microbiology, and everything in between.
My Lafayette journey: I joined the Lafayette family in 2021, and I couldn’t be happier to have received tenure. I was originally attracted to the College because of the high caliber of teaching and scholarship taking place in the Chemistry Department, and the institution’s focus on undergraduate education through the liberal arts. As a result, my students are highly motivated with a variety of interests, not just chemistry. Seeing them advance in the sciences while getting to know their other passions and talents outside the classroom is the most fulfilling part of the job for me.
What I will be teaching in the fall: I will be teaching General Chemistry I for the first time this fall, and I can’t wait! I already have some molecular role-playing activities in mind. I will also be teaching Organic Chemistry I Laboratory and our Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience, known as Superlab. Prof. Heidi Hendrickson and I will be combining our expertise to give each student the opportunity to develop and carry out a unique research project.
Read more about faculty members who have been promoted to associate professor with continuous tenure.
