Sam Light

Sam Light

Sam Light started as a Neubauer Family Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Duchossois Family Institute in 2019. His research takes a molecular approach to address the role of gut-associated microbes in human health and disease. His interests include determining the role of major metabolic activities on complex microbial ecosystems and elucidating the effect of such processes on a mammalian host. In recent years, his work has focused on the discovery and characterization of an unexpected ‘electricity-producing’ activity that is shared by a diverse set of microbes.

Light received a BA from Bard College and a PhD in biochemistry from Northwestern University. Prior to joining the University of Chicago, he was an NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Berkeley.

Current Neubauer Family
Assistant Professors