New faces in the College of Science: Nick Pokorzynski and Alice Naftaly join the Department of Microbiology

The Department of Microbiology is welcoming two new colleagues: Nick Pokorzynski and Alice Nafataly.

Nick Pokorzynski

In rural Michigan, Nick Pokorzynski first discovered his love for science in a high school chemistry class. From there, he earned his B.Sc. in biochemistry at Michigan State University before working in the wine and biofuel industries. He then pursued his Ph.D at Washington State University, where he explored how intracellular bacterial pathogens survive and cause disease. While working on postdoctoral research at Yale School of Medicine, he helped discover why some pathogens prefer alternative carbon sources over glucose, which is published in one of the world's most-cited scientific journals, PNAS.

Now at Oregon State, he leads the Pokorzynski Lab and invites students to learn about host-pathogen interactions and antibiotic tolerance in typhoid fever-causing bacterium, Salmonella enterica.

"Pokorzynski’s innovative research program—uncovering the molecular mechanisms that enable bacteria to adapt to infection-relevant stress—beautifully complements and expands our strengths in microbial physiology and host health," said Department of Microbiology Head Anne Dunn. "His deep commitment to student training and success, combined with the strength of his research program, makes him an exceptional addition to the department.

Pokorzynski chose to start his laboratory at Oregon State University due to the institution’s commitment to basic scientific research and the high caliber of graduate and undergraduate students on campus.

"Our laboratory will explore how Salmonella, a major foodborne bacterial pathogen, outsmarts its animal and human hosts to survive and cause disease. This may lead to new strategies for treating Salmonella infections," he said. "The scientific community at OSU has been incredibly welcoming, and I am eager to see how our research program will develop in new and exciting ways in collaboration with experts across campus.”

Outside of university, he enjoys philosophy, history, coffee culture, live music and exploring new cuisines.

Nick Pokorzynski standing in front of a flowering tree.

Nick Pokorzynski studies how pathogens survive and cause disease.

Alice Naftaly

While reading a novel, Alice Naftaly turned the page to an unexpected chapter about the evolution of head and clothes lice. That chapter inspired her to pursue a career in genetics and evolution, leading her on a path to teaching microbiology. As a southern Virginia-native and first-generation college graduate, she earned dual B.S. degrees in biology and chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. At the University of Georgia, she pursued her Ph.D in genetics and studied the evolution of recombination landscapes and sex chromosome evolution in stickleback fish. For her postdoctoral research, she examined the effects of heat on gametogenesis in C. elegans at the University of Oregon.

Now an instructor at Oregon State, she loves teaching students about how molecular mechanisms connect to evolutionary patterns.

"Dr. Naftaly brings outstanding experience in teaching introductory microbiology, and her enthusiasm — paired with her innovative approaches to engaging non-majors — will be a tremendous asset to our teaching mission. We’re excited for the energy and creativity she will contribute to our educational mission," said Department of Microbiology Head Anne Dunn.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, cross-stitch, sewing, and time with her family and three cats.

"I was drawn to OSU because I wanted to join a university with a strong and lasting foundation in both teaching and research, supported by resources that genuinely help students and faculty succeed. What excites me most is OSU’s dedication to expanding access to higher education and fostering an equitable learning environment," Naftaly said.