Daniel J Lessner
Dr. Dan Lessner is a Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas. He earned his B.S. in Biology from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and completed his Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Iowa under the mentorship of Dr. David T. Gibson. His doctoral research explored the regulation, structure, and enzymatic activity of nitroarene dioxygenases. Following his Ph.D., Dr. Lessner conducted postdoctoral research at Penn State University with Dr. Greg Ferry, where he began investigating the biology of methanogenic archaea. In 2008, he established his research group at the University of Arkansas, focusing on the model methanogen Methanosarcina acetivorans. His lab investigates the genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of methanogens, with a particular emphasis on the roles of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) proteins. A current focus of his research is on the assembly, activity, and regulation of nitrogenase within the unique metabolic framework of methanogens, aiming to uncover fundamental insights into microbial energy metabolism and nitrogen fixation.
Abstracts this author is presenting: