Profile for Paul Schweiger

Research and publishing

My lab primarily studies microorganisms with the goal of understanding how their genes and proteins influence metabolism. In this way we can manipulate the organism's metabolism or introduce new metabolic pathways to produce end-products that have industrial application. Our research combines microbiological, molecular biology, biochemical, and systems approaches to engineer microbes for novel and increased production of value-added products. Using microorganisms as catalysts has many advantages over classic organic chemistry approaches, such as increased yields, high stereo- and regio-specificity without the need for protection group chemistry, and use of renewable living catalysts.

In addition, we have several collaborative projects concerning gut microbiota. These studies include those with Dr. Day Ligon (Missouri State University) to analyze the changes in gut microbiota of alligator snapping turtles under different types of nutritional feeding to enhance laboratory and sanctuary rearing success of these threatened species. We also collaborate with Dr. Alder Yu (UWL) on the effect of fruit fly gut microbiota on various aspects of fly health, which serves as a model for how gut microbiota may impact a variety of aspects of human health. 

More detail can be found on the lab website.