Paul Keim

Paul Keim is a renowned American microbial geneticist and genomicist. He is best known for his work on bacterial pathogens, particularly Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and Yersinia pestis (plague), and for pioneering the use of microbial genomics for forensic and evolutionary analysis.

Keim's research has significantly advanced the understanding of the population structure, virulence, and evolution of these pathogens. His work on anthrax, in particular, played a crucial role in the investigation of the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States. He developed and applied DNA fingerprinting techniques to trace the source of the anthrax spores, contributing significantly to the forensic analysis of the case.

Beyond anthrax, Keim's research encompasses a broad range of microbial systems. He has investigated the evolution of antibiotic resistance, the emergence of new infectious diseases, and the diversity of microbial communities in various environments. He has also developed new methods for pathogen detection and identification.

Keim has held academic positions at Northern Arizona University (NAU) and Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), now part of City of Hope. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science. His research has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of microbial evolution, forensics, and public health. His contributions continue to impact the fields of microbial genomics, biodefense, and infectious disease research.