Educational Experiences

In 2015, I earned my Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in Life Sciences from the Indiana University School of Medicine, where I was a graduate student in Dr. Margaret Bauer's lab. My thesis research focused on how pathogenic bacteria were capable of evading the immune response by specifically studying the sexually transmitted infection Haemophilus ducreyi. We discovered and characterized multiple genes and mechanisms involved in this bacterium's ability to escape destruction by the human innate immune system, which is ultimately ineffective in controlling this infection.

I completed my undergraduate education at Butler University in 2009 with a B.S. in Biology and a Chemistry minor. As a student at Butler, I was involved in a number of campus organizations and activities, including but not limited to the Student Government Association, the Butler University Student Foundation, Greek Life, the Dawg Pound, and the Biology Department as a Lab Assistant and Tutor. I was a member of the Butler University Football Team for a portion of my undergraduate years and continued participating in a number of intramural activities after. Lastly, I partook in several years of undergraduate research in Dr. Villani’s Lab, and I participated in the 2008 Butler Summer Institute.

Prior to my time at Butler, I grew up in the Cincinnati area and attended Archbishop McNicholas High School.

Courses Taught and University Service

As an instructor, I aim to provide a high quality of education by promoting an intellectually stimulating environment, developing a foundation of critical thinking, and demonstrating a personal interest in all students. The main courses I teach are Principles of Immunology (BI 323) in the fall and Principles of Pathogenic Microbiology (BI 325) in the spring. I also am heavily involved in the Biology Fundamentals series, specifically teaching Genetics (BI 210). I will also occasionally teach Biology and Society (NW 200-BI) and the senior Biology Capstone class (BI 480).

As a faculty member, I actively serve as a committee member or faculty advisor to a number of campus organizations. I currently serve as the Pre-Health Professions Advisor, and I am a member of the Faculty Development Advisory Committee, the LAS Essay Contest Committee, the Biological Equipment and Resources Committee, and the Biological Public Relations Committee to name a few. I currently serve as a faculty advisor for the Pre-Dental Club, the Butler University Club Hockey Team, the Sigma Nu Fraternity, and the Butler Cru Campus Ministry, and I am a member of the Butler Giving Circle.

Research Interests

Summative focus: Studying microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents, including components of the immune system, chemicals used to disinfectant, and antibiotics used for treatment

Current Project:

Do we find potential fecal coliforms within water ways such as the canal and/or the White River, and is this influenced by different times of the year and different amounts of rain? Do these fecal coliforms harbor resistance to antibiotics? Are these organisms resistant to common "clean water" disinfectant methods suggested by the WHO and CDC? These questions may tell us more about the impact that the combined sewer system of Indianapolis and northern septic systems and agricultural livestock on is having on our water systems as well as how resistant these organisms may be to various methods of antimicrobial control.

Former Projects:

Characterized human antimicrobial peptide resistance in the plant pathogens Pseudomonassyringae and Erwinia amylovora
Examined and characterized the normal flora and potential as a pathogen vector on the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Examined common surfaces for bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance phenotypes as well as resistance to household disinfectants
Analyzed the Butler University Canal and White River for the presence of fecal coliforms on a weekly basis, additionally assessing these coliforms for pathogenic strains and antibiotic resistance
Examined common surfaces for Staphylococcus aureus and assessing these strains for various forms of antibiotic resistance

Personal Life

In addition to my time spent here at Butler, I very much cherish my role as a husband to my wife Amanda and as a father to my daughter Olivia. We love the Indianapolis Zoo, the Children’s Museum, going to the park, and walking our 180 lb English Mastiff named Kingsley! When I’m not spending time with my family, I enjoy many different fitness activities, reading a good book, and taking an active role in my local church. I also find myself heavily involved with Butler Athletics, and you can probably find me at basketball or football games. Go Dawgs!

Mike Trombley

Information