As a Lecturer for the Department of Microbiology, Haley’s primary role is instruction of undergraduate courses. In this role, Haley aims to share her enthusiasm for microbiology with her students by demonstrating the hidden roles microbes play in our everyday lives. Central to her pedagogy is the generation of a creative, fun, and inclusive learning environment that promotes critical thought and ties the unseen world of microbes to relevant and relatable happenings we see every day.

Haley received her PhD in Microbiology from the University of Tennessee where she worked at the interface of Microbiology and Engineering disciplines to develop lab-on-a-chip biosensor technology. Specifically, she studied catalytic DNA and its ability to produce electronic signals through chemical reactions. Her research explored the applications of these catalytic DNA in and its ability to convert a DNA signal into electrical signals on a microchip.

Many of Haley’s hobbies involve microbes and enjoying their beneficial functions in fermentation and sustainable practices. Haley loves the outdoors and spends her free time hiking, running, and enjoying the scenery of Knoxville.