I am a microbiologist, astrobiologist, conservationist, and budding filmmaker. My work focuses on wide-ranging topics: photosynthesis, hot springs, soil microbes, and science communication and outreach. Inclusivity and communication are central to my philosophy to bring science to a wide audience.
Education
Arizona State University – Ph.D. in Microbiology, 2006.
Case Western Reserve University – B.S. in Biochemistry, 2001.
Expertise
- Comparative genomics and metagenomics
- Microbe-environment interactions
- Evolution and origin of metabolic systems
- Restoration soil microbiome
- Evolution of photosynthesis and light harvesting
- Biologu educatuion research
- Informal STEM learning and outreach
Courses Taught
- ENVS409 Water Quality
- BIOS300 Introduction to the Biology Major
- BIOS313 Microbiology
- BIOS419/619 Microbial Systematics & Diversity
- BIOS468X/568X Geomicrobiology
- BIOS761E Graduate seminar
Publications
- Bell, J.K., Swingley, W.D., and Midgley, M.G. (2025) Bison and burn timing shape arbuscular mycorrhizal diversity and community composition in tallgrass prairie restorations. Appl Soil Ecol, 206, 105895.
- Swingley, W.D. (2024) Evolution: Spectral speciation. Curr Biol, 34(13), pR635-R637.
- Mason, C.N., Shahar, S., Beals, K.K., Kelley, S.T., Lipson, D.A., Swingley, W.D., & Barber, N.A. (2023) Taxonomic and functional restoration of tallgrass prairie soil microbial communities in comparison to remnant and agricultural soils, FEMS Microbiol Ecol, 99(11), fiad120.