A timeline
1865
Cornell University was founded by Ezra Cornell in 1865 and formally incorporated by the Legislature of New York State of that same year. Now a Land Grant College, Cornell University had to provide instruction in agriculture. The first agriculture course subjects listed as being taught at Cornell were; the Chemistry of Agriculture, the Geology of Agriculture, the Physics of Agriculture, the Mechanics of Agriculture, the Botony of Agriculture, and the Zoology of Agriculture.
The College of Agriculture becomes a New York State sponsored institution (predecessor of the current College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or CALS).
1888-1904
One of the first courses in agriculture was taught by Issac P. Roberts, called Applied Agriculture. This course focused on the handling and production of butter and cheese. Regular courses in dairy farming and proccessing are established. Departments of Animal Science and Department of Dairy Insustry (eventually to be named Dairy and Food Science) are formed.
By 1899, Animal Industry and Dairy Husbandry were among the areas of study listed under Agriculture. Courses in these areas included, Dairy Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, Poultry Keeping, and Horticulture, all taught in the Dairy Building (now the north wing of Goldwin Smith Hall) by Professor Henry Hiram Wing, who had joined the staff in 1884. The area of study called Animal Husbandry eventually lead to the formation of the Department of Animal Science.
A new building, Wing Hall, was named in Professor Wing's honor and served as the home of the Department of Animal Science for many years. Wing Hall was constructed for Animal Husbandry and was located approximately 0.5 mile east of the main Cornell campus. When Animal Science moved to Morrison Hall, Biochemistry occupied Wing Hall.
The Department of Microbiology as we know it today would not occupy Wing Hall until 1990.
1904
In 1904, the New York State Legistature established the New York State College of Agriculture at Cornell and financial resposibility for the college was transferred to the State. With this transfer, State funds were made available for the budgeting of the Agriculture Campus. The first building was named Roberts Hall, in honor of the first Director of Agriculture, Issac Roberts. The Department of Dairy Industry moved to East Roberts Hall in 1906.
William A. Stocking, a dairy microbiologist and founding member of the American Society of Bacteriologists (now the American Society for Microbiology or ASM), is appointed Assistant Professor of Agricultural Bacteriology. Stocking becomes Head of the Department of Dairy Industry and retained responsibility of teaching not only Dairy Bacteriology, but a course in Elementary Bacteriology.
1912-1920
In 1912, a Cornell University Announcement describes the facilities in East Roberts Hall that were devoted to Dairy Bacteriology. Laboratories, desks and lockers for students, full equipment for making media, hot air and steam sterilizers, incubators, centrifuges, microscopes and glassware were "nessecary for bateriological work". The Department of Dairy Industry was growing in size. Elemental Bacteriology was taught by Stocking, as well as Agriculture Bacteriology and Bacteriology of the Home. Another early member of the department was Robert S. Breed, a founding editor of Bergey’s Manual. The department was begining to ourgrow the facilities at Roberts Hall by 1920. Plans were drawn by William Stocking and Dean Bailey for a newly contructed "Dairy Building" to be completed by 1923.
1923-1924
Since the Department of Dairy Industry outgrew the facilties at East Roberts Hall, a new building, Stocking Hall, is constructed for Dairy Science (known as the Department of Food Science today). Dr. James Sherman, a microbiologist studying dairy fermentations, joined Cornell as the Head of the Department fo Dairy Industy in 1924. Soon after Sherman arrives at Cornell, Bacteriology is listed as a seperate department.
Courses are now listed under the Department of Bacteriology instead of under the Department of Dairy Industry. At this time there is two seperate instructional programs within the Department of Dairy Industry, one in Dairy industry and one in Bacteriology. Bacteriology courses that are offered include: General Bacteriology, Household Bacteriology, Agricultural Bacteriology, Food and Sanitary & Bacteriology, and Dairy Bacteriology. These couses were taught in the new Building, Stocking Hall. Pathogentic Bacteriology was taught in the Vetrinary Collefe and Soil Microbiology in the Agronomy Department.
1925-1929
There is major expansion of microbiology curriculum and research during this time. New courses were being introduced such as, Yeast Molds and Actinomycycetes and Microbial Methods. By 1929, only 5 years after Sherman became Department Head, a stong and independant program in bacteriology was established in the Department of Daity Industry.
1930s
Sherman forms the Laboratory of Bacteriology, a semi-independent program whose teaching and research deals with more fundamental aspects of the properties of bacteria. The group included Otto Rahn, author of an influential textbook on bacterial physiology, and Georges A. Knaysi, a pioneer in studying microbial structure and function.
In 1937, Sherman was elected president of the Society of American Bacteriologists. Propionibacterium shermanii, the organism that produces carbon dioxide bubbles that form the holes in Swiss cheese, was named in his honor.
In 1955 Professor Sherman resigned as Department Head of the the Department of Daity Industry. A library on the fist floor of Stocking Hall was dedicated to Sherman. The Laboratory of Bacteriology continued it's successful research programs within the Department of Dairy Industry.
1940s-1950s
Faculty joining the “Laboratory of Bacteriology" include, Brooks Naylor, Harry Seeley, Jr., Eugene Delwiche, Paul VanDemark, and I.C. Gunsalus, all Cornell PhDs. Gunsalus and coworkers elucidated the biological role of pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6) in 1944 but he left Cornell in 1947 after a fire destroyed his lab.
VanDemark taught the introductory Micro 290 course for 40 years, winning the SUNY Chancellor's and the ASM Carski teaching awards in 1987. In 1948, Max Zelle was appointed Professor of Bacterial Genetics, the first such position in any college in the United States, and was replaced in 1969 by Stanley Zahler.
1960s
In 1964, Cornell University establishes the Division of Biological Sciences (DBS). It was decided that microbiology should be adminstratively seperated from the Department of Dairy and Food Science and thus the Section of Microbiology is formed.
New faculty joining the Section include A. Jane Gibson, who studied the physiology and biochemistry of photosynthetic microbes, and Norman Dondero, an aquatic microbiologist. Carole Rehkugler, hired as an instructor in 1967, eventually became a senior lecturer in charge of the Micro 291 laboratory course for over 20 years. She won the SUNY Chancellor's Award for teaching in 1993.
1972
The microbiologists were informed that the needs of Biochemistry and the newly formed Section of Neurobiology and behavior were to take priority financially within the Division of Biological Science. The Section of Microbiology is eliminated from the DBS and faculty are reassigned. Gibson and two others go to Biochemistry, Zahler goes to the Section of Genetics, Development and Physiology.
A core group of membors of the Section of Microbiology strongly disagreed in the Divisions attuitude that classical microbiology was a dying science and that the future would be with cell biology. Gibson, MacDonald, Slobin, Sahler, seeley, Naylor, Delwiche and VanDemark. These remaining faculty reform the Laboratory of Microbiology in Food Science. Ereign Seacord joins the teaching support staff, staying until 2010.
1977-1979
The Faculty of the Laboratory of Microbiology established an outside Advisory Committee composed of distinguished Cornell Alumni who were microbiologists. This group was assembled to make recommendations on the status of Microbiology in the College of Agriculture. An extensive review was conducted and the Committee strongly recommended that the Laboratory of Microbiology of the Food Science Department be "elevated immediatley to departmental status in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences."
As a result the Dean of CALS established a Department of Microbiology within the College on July 1st 1977. At this time, the department consisted of seven regular faculty positions and one Lecturer position. Seeley, Delwiche, Dondero, Brooks Naylor, VanDemark, and Ruhkugler or the original members of the department. Robert P. Mortlock, Chair of Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts, is recruited to serve as Chair for the newly formed Department of Microbiology. Mortlock, who studied evolution of microbial metabolism, was Chair for 10 years, and retired in 1999. Two assistant professors are also hired: E. Peter Greenberg, who studies microbial behavior, and William C. Ghiorse, who studies microbial structure/function and metal biogeochemistry and won the 2004 SUNY Chancellor's award and the 2007 CALS Edgerton Career Award for teaching.
Cathy Shappell joins the staff as department administrator, ably serving in that position until 2012. In 1979 Patti Butler (Lisk) was hired as an administrative assistant and served until 2013.
1979-1986
In 1979. Stephen H. Zinder is hired as an Assistant Professor Zinder studies chemical transformations in the environment carried out by anaerobes and microbial diversity. He won the CALS Outstanding Career Accomplishments in Basic Research award in 2011.
In 1982, toward the end of it's 5th year of existance, the department went under it's first comprehensive five-year review. The report of the Commiteee agreed with the decision to "build strength in the research area of general microbiology."
Robert Mortlock was one of the founding members of NEMPET and served along with Ed Leadbetter as the co-organizer for its first 20 years. Those who had the opportunity to be involved during those years remember him as a true moving force behind the meeting. He quietly managed the money and made the arrangements that kept the meeting running smoothly so that the rest of us could enjoy the pleasure of getting together and talking science. In 1983 Mortlock was appointed to another 5 year term as Department Chair of Microbiology.
In 1984, the Graduate Program is reviewed by a Site Visit Team, and it's determined that there should be more faculty in the Department of Microbiology, as well as more funds, and more agreeable quarters. As retierments happened positions were not getting filled because laboratory space was not easily available. Since the department is still located on the 3rd and 4th floors of Stocking Hall, and there were plans for a new Biotechnology Building to be constructed in 1986, the Microbiology Department would plan to move into the vacated Wing Hall.
1986-1988
The Department of Microbiology was enetering a new phase of it's existance. For years the Department struggled with having adequate space to support it's growth. The moving out of Stocking Hall would end a long and historic association of bacteriology as well as the association of microbiology being located on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Dairy Building.
Valley Stewart, a microbial geneticist working on anaerobic respiration, joins the faculty, leaving for UC Davis in 1998.
In 1987 Professor Paul VanDemark's years of dedicated teaching were recognized when the American Society for Microbiologgy awarded him the 1987 Caski Foundation Distringuished Teaching Award.
Shirley Cramer was hired as an administrative assistant in 1987.
Stephen C. Winans joins the faculty. Winans studies the response of bacteria, particularly Agrobacterium, to environmental stimuli, and in 1994 was a coauthor, with Greenberg and Clay Fuqua, of an influential paper naming "quorum sensing".
1990-1992
The department moves to Wing Hall, recently vacated by Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, followed by a phased renovation of Wing over the next seven years. This move allowed expansion of the department, including the addition of James Russell, a rumen microbiologist employed by the USDA and previously affiliated with the Animal Science.
In 1990, John Helmann is hired and studies effects of metals and oxidative stress on gene expression in Bacillus subtilis. He won the CALS Outstanding Career Accomplishments in Basic Research award in 2012.
In 1991, Susan Merkel is hired as an instructor for the Micro 290 course. Sue eventually become a Senior Lecturer succeeding Carole Rehkugler as leader of the Micro291/BIOMI2910 introductory lab and winning the CALS Innovative Teacher Award in 1997 and 2011.
In 1992, The Department of Microbiology rejoins the Division of Biological Sciences and becomes the Section of Microbiology.
James P. Shapleigh, who works on denitrification and its regulation, joins the department.
1998-1999
In 1998, Stephen Zinder becomes Department Chair during a contentious, university-wide review of the Division of Biological Sciences. An external review committee for the Section of Microbiology makes the case that advances in genomics and molecular microbial ecology and the important roles microbiologists play at Cornell make it an opportune time to expand and strengthen the Section.
In 1999, The decision is made to abolish DBS while retaining the undergraduate biology major, which includes a concentration in Microbiology. The Department of Microbiology in CALS is (re)born with a mandate for expansion, and hires three new faculty members: Anthony Hay, Eugene Madsen, and Esther Angert.
2002-2008
In 2002, Joseph Peters, a microbial geneticist working on transposons, is hired in the area of microbial genomics. In 2013 he became a coauthor of the ASM Press textbook Molecular Genetics of Bacteria.
In 2004, William Ghiorse becomes Department Chair for a second time.
In 2008, Ruth Ley, a microbiologist studying the human microbiome, joins the department. In 2011 she won the CALS Outstanding Accomplishments in Early Achievement Award.
2009-2013
In 2009, Ian Hewson, a marine microbiologist studying the roles of marine bacteria, archaea, and viruses in marine biogeochemistry, joins the faculty.
In 2010, John Helmann succeeds William Ghiorse as Department Chair.
In 2012, Lillian Henry is hired as Administrative Manager of the department after Cathy Shappell’s retirement.
In 2013, The department and the Cornell Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology begin a faculty search in the area: Integrative Biology of the Bacterial Cell. Michelle Carr is hired as an administrative assistant following Patti Butler’s retirement.
2014
Ian Hewson is promoted to Associate Professor with tenure, effective November 1, 2014.
2015
Carole Rehkugler retires after a long and successful teaching career of extraordinary and dedicated service to Cornell University and the Department of Microbiology.
Joe Peters is promoted to Full Professor, effective July 1, 2015.
Sue Merkel is awarded the Carski Foundation Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award by the American Society for Microbiology.
Patricia Brenchley joins the Department as the Chair’s Assistant.
2016
Tory Hendry, joins the department as a Research Scientist.
Tobias Doerr is hired as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and the Cornell Weill Institute.
William (Bill) Ghiorse is granted Emeritus status, upon his retirement.
2017
Esther Angert is promoted to Full Professor, effective January 1, 2017. Tory Hendry is appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department.
Sue Merkel takes on the additional role of Associate Director of Academic Programs for the College, effective January 2017.
Tina Daddona becomes the new Grad Field Assistant, following Shirley Cramer’s retirement.
Eugene (Gene) Madsen, department member, collegue and friend, passes away unexpectedly at the age of 64.
2019
Esther Angert succeeds John Helmann as Department Chair.
Lillian Henry leaves Microbiology to take a position as Administrative Manager of Biological and Environmental Engineering.
Derrick Barrett is hired as the new Department Manager.
2020
The Covid 19 pandemic strikes the US. In March, the University shuts down all but essential research on campus. Undergraduates are sent home and classes transition to online only.
Patti Brenchley takes a new position in the College of Veterinary Medicine as the Assistant to the Associate Dean of Education and the Assistant to the Director of Veterinary Curriculum.
Heather Feaga is hired as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Feaga earned her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Microbiology from the Pennsylvania State University. Her dissertation work focused on mechanisms of ribosome rescue in bacteria and human mitochondria. Dr. Feaga conducted postdoctoral research at Columbia University and taught Microbiology at City University of New York/BMCC.
Josh Fontanez is hired as the Assistant to the Department Chair.
2021
James Shapleigh and Stephen Zinder are granted Emeritus status, upon his retirement.
Esther Angert resigns as Department Chair as she accepted a position as Senior Associate Dean of CALS.
John Helmann returns as interim Department Chair.
Brian Wendel is hired as Lecturer.
Kathleen Hefferon is hired as Lecturer
Derrick Barret leaves the Department to take a position as Budget and Reporting Specialist in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research.
Marissa Consalvi is appointed Administrative Manager.
Tina Daddona leaves as the GFA/Student Services Assistant to pursue a teaching career at a local middle school/high school.
Josh Fontanez leaves as the Assistant to the Department Chair to pursue an opportunity in Computational Biology as an Assistant to the Chair and Graduate Field Coordinator.
2022
John Helmann steps down as interim Department Chair.
Joe Peters steps down as DGS and is appointed as Department Chair.
Tobias Doerr is appointed as DGS.
Sue Merkel retires after 31 years in the department.
Marian Schmidt starts their position as an Assistant Professor. The Schmidt Lab studies the diversity, structure, and genome dynamics of freshwater microbial communities.
Ian Hewson was awarded the Faculty Champion Award for Senior Faculty
Steve Zinder was awarded the CALS Career Accomplishment Award
Joe Peters received an American Academy of Microbiology Nomination
Dan Buckley was awarded the 2022 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching
Sue Merkel was awarded the Kendall S. Carpenter Memorial Advising Award
Heather Feaga was awarded the Affinito-Stwart Grant from the Presidents Council of Cornell Women (PCCW)
Meaghan Austin is hired as the GFA/Student Services Assistant.
Dawn Gonzalez is hired as the Assistant to the Department Chair.
Ian Hewson steps down as the Department LDI, and Heather Feaga is appointed into the role.
2023
Kelley Gallagher is hired as an Assistant Professor. The Gallagher Lab primarily studies the filamentous Gram-positive actinobacterial genus Streptomyces, which undergoes a complex life cycle that culminates in the production of chains of exospores.
Lisa-Marie Nisbett is hired as an Assistant Research Professor. The Nisbett lab is interested in determining the mechanisms of pathogenesis of clinically significant yet critically understudied bacterial pathogens such as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).
Heather Feaga was awarded the 2023 Faculty Champion Award for Junior Faculty
Joe Peters was nominated for the Outstanding Accomplishments in Research Award
2024
Aisha Burton is hired as Assistant Research Professor. Buton Lab investigations focus on understanding the role of these small proteins in modulating two-component systems, essential sensory and adaptive mechanisms that respond to diverse external stimuli.
Gunnar Babcock is hired as Lecturer.
Meaghan Austin moves into role as Assistant to Department Chair.
Daniel Francis is hired as GFA/Student Services Assistant.
2025
Lisa-Marie Nisbett begins her tenure track position as Assistant Professor.
Esther Angert steps down from her role as Sr. Associate Dean.
Joe Peters begins a 2nd term as Department Chair.
Tobias Doerr begins a 2nd term as Director of Graduate Studies.
2026
Aisha Burton begins her tenure track position as Assistant Professor.