Dr. Ursula Jakob

Biography

Ursula Jakob is a professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan. She earned her B.S. in 1991 and Ph.D. in 1995 from Regensburg University, Germany. Her research focuses on the role of oxidative stress in host defense and aging, including how oxidants affect the aging process and the effective use of antioxidant systems to extend healthspan and lifespan. Jakob's work has led to significant insights into how physiological oxidants, like bleach, can kill bacteria and how bacterial defenses protect against cellular stress caused by these oxidants. This research has important implications for developing new drugs that can help the body fight diseases. Over her career, she has received multiple accolades, including the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award in Biomedical Sciences and election to the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities. She has also participated in postdoctoral research at the University of Michigan and served as an Assistant Research Scientist before joining the faculty ranks in 2001.

Research Interests