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Associate Professor, Division of Biological Sciences
Virus Evolution and Pathogenesis
Dr. Mary Poss received her B.S. in Zoology from Duke University and her M.S. in Biochemistry from the University of New Hampshire . She went on to earn a D.V.M. from Ohio State University . Following her Pathology Residency at Colorado State University , she earned her Ph.D. there in Experimental Pathology. Dr. Poss has extensive professional experience as a Veterinarian, a senior scientist in a biotech company, and as a Senior Research Fellow. She came to the UM in 1998 and has recently achieved tenure here in the Division of Biological Sciences.
Her research focuses on fascinating topics in the field of viral evolution and pathogenesis. She studies molecular evolution and structural biology of gp120 from clade A HIV-1 infected women from Africa in order to understand features of the virus leading to successful establishment of infection. Her second major area of research includes molecular and phylodynamic studies of endemic FIV in wild cougars.
In addition to research, the classes she teaches include: Microbiology, Virology, Infectious Disease, Research in Virus Ecology and Evolution and Microbes to Megafauna. “Dr. Poss is a dedicated teacher who places high value on helping students developing critical thinking and effective communication skills. She works very hard with and for her students,” states Don Christian, Associate Dean in the Division of Biological Sciences. Among her many additional activities Dr. Poss chairs the Graduate Education Committee for integrative microbiology and biochemistry, is a pathologist for the lynx populations research study, and is a member of NCEAS working group on Host Social Behavior and Disease. “Dr. Poss' broad background and training brings unique perspectives to how we think about relationships between animal disease and ecology,” says Christian.
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