Skip to main content

Graham Hatfull is interested in the molecular genetics of the mycobacteria and their bacteriophages. He and his lab members use techniques such as mutagenesis, transcriptomics, and ribosomal profiling to resolve the mysteries about gene function, regulation, and evolutionary mechanisms of these mycobacteriophages. His HHMI Phage Hunters Advancing Research and Education (PHIRE) program – now having national impact as the SEA-PHAGES program – uses bacteriophage discovery and genomics (phage-hunting) to engage undergraduate and high school students in authentic scientific research. This inspires young students with the thrills of scientific discovery and generates a large dataset of thousands of phages with sequenced genomes, revealing the extent of viral diversity and insights into their evolution.