- IRACDA Post-Doctoral Fellowship, University of North Carolina 2021-2024
- Ph.D. In Biochemistry, University of Washington 2020
- B.S. in Biology and Russian, Bates College 2015
- University Department Biochemistry
- Location WSNS 315
- Phone Number (336) 841-9311
- Email [email protected]
Grace Hamilton watched too much Star Trek as a child and continues to be fascinated by the possibility of life beyond earth. As a protein biochemist and fungal biologist, she now explores this question by studying some of the toughest organisms on earth: polyextremotolerant fungi. How do fungi control and alter their cell shape? Is cell shape plasticity an adaptation to help them survive in extreme and changeable habitats? Can natural products produced by fungi help us address some of the most pressing challenges in human health, like the antibiotic resistance crisis? These are the questions that motivate research in the Hamilton Lab.
Dr. Hamilton is also passionate about sharing the fruits and process of scientific research with people outside of academia; she has created a biochemistry podcast, moonlighted as a science correspondent, and taught public science communication. She is always looking for ways to share her science as broadly as possible.
Outside of the lab, she enjoys fostering cats, making functional pottery, and competing in Scrabble tournaments.