B.S., Goucher College, 1991; Ph.D., Michigan State University, 1997. Assistant Professor, Caltech, 2000-06; Associate Professor, 2006-10; Professor, 2010-.
Environmental Science and Engineering; Geobiology;
Profile
Professor Leadbetter's research seeks to clarify the form, function, and spatial distribution of diverse microbes in their environment. His past studies have focused on the cultivation of microbial strains possessing unusual, atypical, or previously unrecognized properties, and have sought to reveal the impact of these organisms on their given environment. He has applied the use of a number of physiological, chemical, and molecular genetic techniques to his studies, underscoring the utility of both classical and newly developed methods in the pursuit of fundamental questions in Environmental Microbiology.
FS/ESE/Ge 18. First-Year Seminar: The Unseen Microbial World in Plain Sight.6 units (2-0-4); first term, 2022-23.
To paraphrase a Caltech engineering colleague: "In terms of Earth and the Environment, our species had been nothing more than the hood ornament on a really interesting car. We should be studying what's under the hood, the microbial world, if we want to understand the engine". We will spend the term examining striking examples of microbes and microbial activities in the environment. First-year (undergraduates) only; limited enrollment.
Instructor: Leadbetter
ESE/Bi 166. Microbial Physiology.9 units (3-1-5); first term, 2020-21.Prerequisites: one year of general biology recommended.
A course on growth and functions in the prokaryotic cell. Topics covered: growth, transport of small molecules, protein excretion, membrane bioenergetics, energy metabolism, motility, chemotaxis, global regulators, and metabolic integration.
Instructor: Leadbetter
FS/ESE/Ge 18. Freshman Seminar: The Unseen Microbial World in Plain Sight.6 units (2-0-4); first term, 2020-21.
To paraphrase a Caltech engineering colleague: "In terms of Earth and the Environment, although fascinating, until recently our species had been nothing more than the hood ornament on a really interesting car. We should be studying what's under the hood, the microbial world, if we want to understand the engine". We will examine striking examples of microbes and microbial activities in the environment. There is one required field trip to visit sites of microbial interest somewhere in southern California. Freshmen only; limited enrollment.
Instructor: Leadbetter
ESE/Bi 166. Microbial Physiology.9 units (3-1-5); first term, 2019-20.Prerequisites: Recommended prerequisite: one year of general biology.
A course on growth and functions in the prokaryotic cell. Topics covered: growth, transport of small molecules, protein excretion, membrane bioenergetics, energy metabolism, motility, chemotaxis, global regulators, and metabolic integration.
Instructor: Leadbetter
Course Website:http://www.gps.caltech.edu/documents/3123/2019_Fall_Bacterial_Physiology_SYLLABUS.pdf
FS/ESE/Ge 18. Freshman Seminar: The Unseen Microbial World in Plain Sight.6 units (2-0-4); first term, 2019-20.
To paraphrase a Caltech engineering colleague: "In terms of Earth and the Environment, although fascinating, until recently our species had been nothing more than the hood ornament on a really interesting car. We should be studying what's under the hood, the microbial world, if we want to understand the engine". We will examine striking examples of microbes and microbial activities in the environment. There is one required field trip to visit sites of microbial interest somewhere in southern California. Freshmen only; limited enrollment.
Instructor: Leadbetter
Research Website