Title: “Chemistry to Bacterial Genetics”

Joe Lutkenhaus

Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology

University of Kansas Medical Center

Host: Theresa Windus

University Distinguished Professor Emeritus Joe Lutkenhaus a distinguished microbiologist whose research has advanced scientific understanding of bacterial cell division and cellular organization. After earning a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Iowa State University in 1969 and a doctorate in biochemistry from UCLA in 1974, he completed postdoctoral research in molecular biology at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Connecticut Health Center. Dr. Lutkenhaus joined the University of Kansas Medical Center faculty in 1981 and rose through the ranks to become Distinguished Professor of Microbiology. Throughout his career, he combined groundbreaking research with academic leadership, serving as director of graduate studies and later as department chair. His work earned numerous honors, including an NIH Merit Award, election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, and the Higuchi Research Award from the University of Kansas. Among his most significant recognitions was election to the National Academy of Sciences in 2014, one of the highest honors bestowed on American scientists. He also received Columbia University's Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize for contributions to understanding the dynamic organization of bacterial cells. Dr. Lutkenhaus became professor emeritus in 2024 after a distinguished career of scientific discovery, teaching, and mentorship. He is at ISU to accept our department’s Outstanding Alumni Award (and to go to the Homecoming football game!).

 Come learn more about this illustrious alum of our department, and his wonderful career!”