Robert S. Burlage, Ph.D. 

Chair, Associate Professor 

Interests and Expertise
Environmental microbiology is the study of microorganisms in their natural setting, as opposed to laboratory studies. The laboratory is valuable for controlled analysis of microbial responses but cannot duplicate the complexity of Nature. My research focuses on the expression of specific bacterial genes in natural settings, for the determination of factors that control gene expression. This work has its foundation in the use of microorganisms to degrade hazardous wastes in situ, but has expanded to include detection of specific bacterial species and specific chemicals in complex mixtures. The use of bioreporter genes is very important for this work, and we use both bioluminescent (lux) and fluorescent (GFP) bioreporter genes

Recent Publications
Burlage, R.S. Biological Systems in: Attenntives in landmine detection, Rand Scientific and Policy Institute, Santa Monica, 2003

Burlage, R.S., R. Atlas, R. Colwell, G. Geesey, G.Sayler, and D. Stahl, (editors) "Techniques in Microbial Ecology", Oxford University Press, New York. 1997.

Ripp, S., D.E. Nivens, Y. Ahn, C. Werner, J. Jarrell, J. Easter, C. Cox. R.S. Burlage, and G.S. Sayler. 2000. Controlled field release of a bioluminescent genetically engineered microorganism for bioremediation process monitoring and control. Environ. Sci. Technol. 34: 846-853.

Fischer, R., R, Burlage, J. DiBenedetto, and M. Maston. 2000. UXO and mine detection using laser induced fluorescence imagery and genetically engineered microbes. Army AL&T July-August: 10-12.

Cox, C.D., D.E. Nivens, S. Ripp, M.M. Wong, A. Palumbo, R.S. Burlage, and G.S. Sayler. 2000. An intermediate-scale lysimeter facility for subsurface bioremediation research. Bioremediation J. 4: 69-79.

Burlage, R.S., Z. Yang, and T. Mehlhorn. 1995. A transposon for green fluorescent protein transcriptional fusions: application for bacterial transport experiments. Gene 173: 53-58.

Speaker Topics 
Biological Warfare and Bioterrorism
Microbiology, Medical
Microbiology, Public Health
Microorganisms, Genetically Engineered

Education
Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Microbiology, 1990
M. Phil, Columbia University, Microbiology, 1986
M.S., Duquesne University, Biology, 1981
B.A., Rutgers University, Biology, 1979