Rate My Professor Akif Uzman

Uzman’s research interests encompass molecular and developmental biology, particularly Xenopus embryogenesis, neural specification via mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, and BMP signal antagonism. He has also investigated microbial genomics, including virulence factors in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the genome of the cyanobacterium Tolypothrix sp. PCC 7601. Notable publications include “Mitogen-activated protein kinase and neural specification in Xenopus” (1997), “Subtle genetic changes enhance virulence of methicillin resistant and sensitive Staphylococcus aureus” (2007), “Extreme Sensory Complexity Encoded in the 10-Megabase Draft Genome Sequence of the Chromatically Acclimating Cyanobacterium Tolypothrix sp. PCC 7601” (2015), “The PULSE Vision & Change Rubrics, Version 1.0: A Valid and Equitable Tool to Measure Transformation of Life Sciences Departments at All Institution Types” (2016), “A qualitative analysis to identify the elements that support department level change in the life sciences: The PULSE Vision & Change Recognition Program” (2019), and “The PULSE Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Rubric: a Tool To Help Assess Departmental DEI Efforts” (2022). A pioneer in STEM education reform, Uzman was a 2012 Vision and Change Leadership Fellow with the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Science Education (PULSE), served on its governing council, and was elected its third president in 2024. Under his leadership, PULSE has supported over 330 STEM departments nationwide in implementing educational best practices.