Penn State’s microbiome sciences dual-title doctoral program has reached a significant milestone: graduating its first student. Ana Caroline Fonseca completed a dual-title doctorate in animal science and microbiome sciences this summer. Developed under an initiative led by Mary Ann Victoria Bruns, professor of soil microbiology and biogeochemistry, the program has enrolled 31 students since it was established in 2023 and now also includes 42 graduate faculty from 10 different graduate programs.

Penn State’s program is the first and only doctoral degree around the globe focused specifically on microbiome sciences, which involve studying communities of microorganisms and their interactions in and with a particular environment.

“Penn State continues to build on its research and education leadership in this rapidly expanding field, setting a strong example for the universities and academic units worldwide developing their own microbiome-related degrees and training opportunities,” said Carolee T. Bull, graduate program head and professor of systematic bacteriology and plant pathology.

“Microbiome sciences is inherently transdisciplinary. The students in this program are learning to connect research across disciplines and to understand how microbial communities influence the health and function of their hosts and environments.”

Microbiome scientists investigate the structure, relationships and functions of complete microbial communities and their surrounding environments. Researchers study the tiny worlds of bacteria, archaea, micro-eukaryotes and viruses, as well as the interactions among those organisms and their hosts or ecosystems, within these microbial communities.

Microbes make up more than 99% of life’s diversity on the planet and half of the cells in human bodies, Bull said, yet scientists are only beginning to understand how microscopic life will have positive impacts on the biosphere spanning human health and disease, agriculture output and safety, and environmental stability and resilience in the face of global changes. The field’s strength is its multifaceted nature as it draws on disciplines ranging from molecular biology and bioinformatics to ecology, food science, anthropology and environmental science.

At Penn State, students pursue the microbiome sciences dual title alongside a primary doctoral degree. The dual title is currently available to students in:

• Plant pathology
• Anthropology
• Ecology
• Animal science
• Food science
• Biology
• Biomedical sciences
• Molecular, cellular and integrative biosciences
• Entomology
• Agricultural and environmental plant science

Students must first be admitted to one of the participating major programs before applying for the dual title. The largest numbers of students currently are enrolled through plant pathology; ecology; food science; and molecular, cellular and integrative biosciences.

“The best students and faculty choose Penn State as their destination because of the strength and scope of our academic programs and the singular opportunity to earn a Ph.D. in this emerging field,” said Seth Bordenstein, Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Endowed Chair in Microbiome Sciences, director of the One Health Microbiome Center, and professor of biology and of entomology. “We are deeply proud of a program built by and for our community and field; Carolee’s leadership ensures it runs with precision and impact.”

Through coursework, research and professional development, students have the opportunity to gain an integrated understanding of microbiome diversity, dynamics and measurement. They learn to design and conduct rigorous studies, apply molecular and bioinformatics methods, analyze microbiome data, and connect microbial characteristics with information about associated hosts and ecosystems.

The program also emphasizes scientific communication, ethical research practices, diversity, equity and inclusion, and preparation for a range of professional opportunities. Graduates are equipped for careers in academia and government, as well as in medical, agricultural, environmental and biotechnology industries.

Weekly events hosted through the One Health Microbiome Center provide opportunities for students and faculty to exchange ideas with microbiome researchers from Penn State and beyond. Students also engage with specialized coursework, including the dedicated seminar series course MBIOM 550 that connects students to global leaders in the field, and they develop the skills needed to address emerging questions in the field.

The program’s growth comes as Penn State expands its broader investments in microbiome research and training. The University recently secured a $2.6 million National Institutes of Health T32 training grant for the biotechnological and integrative opportunities in microbiome sciences, or BIOMS, predoctoral program. Awarded to the One Health Microbiome Center within the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, the grant uniquely positions dual-title doctoral students with biotechnology experts spanning industry and government, with support for up to 50 doctoral students over five years.

Together, Bull said, the dual-title degree and the BIOMS program strengthen Penn State’s ability to train scientists who collaboratively and decisively investigate microbiomes across scales — from individual microbial interactions to impacts on hosts, communities and entire ecosystems.

As the program celebrates its first graduate and 31 students, its leaders said the momentum reflects both the importance of microbiome research and the value of bringing disciplines together. They said they wish to thank the scholars, faculty and staff who have made this happen.

“Penn State is uniquely positioned to educate the next generation of microbiome scientists because of the vast breadth of expertise across the University,” Bull said. “This program gives students a shared intellectual foundation while allowing them to pursue questions in their own disciplines.”

About the OHMC

As one of the largest and most active units in the field, the OHMC is on a global mission to define the future of health and build a legacy of contributions that promote the general welfare of humans, agriculture and the environment. Learn more on the OHMC website.