Michael Gaylor

I serve as the entire Chemistry program, and one half of the Physical Science program, here at Dakota State University, where I am solely responsible for delivery of the Chemistry curriculum. I also teach advanced courses in toxicology, ecotoxicology, biogeochemistry, marine science, astrobiology, astrochemistry and chemical evolution. I am Cofounder and research director for Mycobius, a biotech startup focused on antibiotic discovery in extreme toxic environments. My core research interests are broadly focused on the chemistry and ecotoxicology of anthropogenic chemicals in the environment, with special emphasis on environmental fate and effects of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals. More recent efforts have focused on characterizing the microbial communities and associated natural product chemistries of harsh toxic environments and elucidating the biochemical pathways by which these organisms adapt to and thrive therein, with the practical intent of identifying secondary metabolites exhibiting antibiotic properties. Ever seeking to expand the bounds of scientific inquiry, my students and I are increasingly engaged in addressing significant problems at the forefront of astrobiology and chemical evolution.

ResearchGate Profile

March 2015