Joseph O. Falkinham Iii PhD

Joseph Falkinham, professor of microbiology in the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Science at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are especially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1974, Falkinham focused his most recent research on mycobacteria, legionella, and amoeba in household plumbing; biofilm formation by mycobacteria; isolation and identification of new anti-mycobacterial antibiotics; and mechanism of action of antibiotic dendritic amphiphiles.

Throughout his career, Falkinham maintained consistent research funding from federal agencies including the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

In the classroom, Falkinham taught the flagship undergraduate course in genetics and multiple advanced courses in microbial genetics and molecular biology for both undergraduate and graduate students. He has mentored 19 master’s degrees and seven Ph.D. students and served on multiple graduate advisory committees in the Department of Biological Sciences and other departments. Falkinham received his bachelor’s degree in 1964 and Ph.D. in 1969, both from the University of California, Berkeley.