Name: Dr. Jan-Ulrik Dahl
Title: Associate Professor and Dr. Fred Gletten Endowed Chair of Biological Sciences
Unit: School of Biological Sciences
Years at Illinois State: 7 (Assistant Professor from 2019-24, Associate Professor and Dr. Fred Gletten Endowed Chair of Biological Sciences since 2024)
Tell us about your teaching and research in the College of Arts and Sciences?
“My research investigates the mechanisms that Gram-negative human pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa employ to survive oxidative stress. For example, while most people know bleach as a potent disinfectant for the kitchen counter, much less is known that members of our immune system produce bleach as part of our immune response to kill invading pathogens. We found that bugs infecting the urinary tract are better equipped to survive bleach exposure. By combining microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics, my lab identifies defense mechanisms that promote bacterial survival during oxidative stress, which may be exploited to improve antimicrobial therapies. I involve students at all academic levels in experimental design, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation, fostering a collaborative and rigorous training environment. In the classroom, I integrate my research into microbiology and microbial physiology courses to strengthen students’ analytical and experimental skills, preparing them for careers in biomedical research and advancing the college’s mission of discovery-based learning.”
What are your proudest accomplishments during your time at Illinois State?
“My proudest accomplishments at Illinois State are the successes of my students. Watching them develop from curious beginners into confident, independent scientists has been the most rewarding part of my career. Every graduate researcher from my lab has progressed to competitive Ph.D. trainees or postdoctoral fellows at top R1 schools. Likewise, I was able to help undergraduate students move on to Ph.D. positions, be admitted to medical schools, or start careers in industry. Many of them earned competitive honors such as the Fisher Thesis Award, Bone Scholarships, DAAD RISE Fellowships, and Goldwater nominations. These achievements reflect not only their dedication but also ISU’s supportive environment for hands-on, inquiry-driven research. I take pride in creating an inclusive and collaborative environment that fosters scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and professional confidence. For instance, I was recently told that my previous graduate students still meet on Saturdays to discuss scientific literature. Knowing that their time in my lab helped launch meaningful careers and shaped their confidence as scientists remains my greatest source of pride and motivation as an ISU faculty member.”
What’s your favorite thing about Illinois State or the College of Arts and Sciences?
“My favorite thing about ISU and the College of Arts and Sciences is the strong sense of community and shared purpose. I feel lucky to be part of a school and college that value and support the research endeavors of their faculty and students. I particularly appreciate the college’s commitment to integrating research and teaching, allowing students to engage in discovery early in their academic journeys. Whether in the classroom or the lab, I see students grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence. The supportive culture at ISU enables faculty to be both educators and mentors, guiding students toward meaningful careers while continuing to pursue innovative scholarship. It’s this balance of excellence, inclusivity, and student-centered learning that makes Illinois State a truly unique place to work.”
Dr. Rachel Bowden, director of the School of Biological Sciences, on Dahl:
“Since joining the faculty at ISU, Dr. Dahl has made many positive contributions to the School of Biological Sciences. Through classroom instruction and mentoring in the research laboratory, Dr. Dahl helps students explore the fascinating field of microbiology as they prepare for careers in medical and biomedical fields or pursue graduate degrees under his guidance. He is also a prolific scholar, having obtained numerous grants to support his research agenda and regularly publishing scientific articles with student co-authors. Dr. Dahl is establishing himself as a leader within the school, and I look forward to working with him for many years to come.”
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