Rate My Professor Joanna Brooke

Joanna S. Brooke serves as Professor and Chair of the Microbiology Faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences within DePaul University’s College of Science and Health. She obtained her B.Sc. Honors (Co-op) in Microbiology from the University of Guelph and her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Western Ontario. Brooke's research investigates infectious diseases in humans through two laboratory tracks. The first examines the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, an emerging worldwide opportunistic multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogen linked to respiratory infections, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. This includes genes contributing to infection and the ability to form biofilms on living and non-living surfaces, with specific focus on how these genes influence biofilm formation. The second track explores the presence of potentially harmful bacteria in environmental settings, such as public surfaces and drains.

Brooke has published influential works on her research topics, including 'Advances in the Microbiology of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia' (Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 2021), a comprehensive review; 'Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: an Emerging Global Opportunistic Pathogen' (Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 2012); 'New strategies against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: a serious worldwide intrinsically drug-resistant opportunistic pathogen' (Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy, 2014); 'Polysorbate 80 and polymyxin B inhibit Stenotrophomonas maltophilia biofilm' (Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 2017, co-authored); and 'Mutation of a lipopolysaccharide synthesis gene results in increased biofilm of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia on plastic and glass surfaces' (FEMS Microbiology Letters, 2008). Her publications have accumulated nearly 2,000 citations. She teaches courses including Topics in Medical Bacteriology (BIO 347/447), Microbial Ecology (BIO 320/420), Microbiology (BIO 210), Principles of Biotechnology (BIO 220), Biology Senior Capstone Seminar (BIO 395), and others. Brooke also contributes to university service as a member of the Academic Program Review Committee.