Biology Department Gets New Leader: Alan D. Grossman Takes Charge
Alan D. Grossman, a renowned microbiologist, has been appointed as the new head of the Department of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), effective August 1. Tania Baker, the E.C. Whitehead Professor of Biology, stepped down from the position of department head in June 2023.
Grossman's academic journey began at Brown University, where he earned a BA in biochemistry in 1979. He then pursued a PhD in molecular biology at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, completing his studies in 1984. After a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology at Harvard University, Grossman joined MIT's Department of Biology in 1988.
Grossman played a significant role in the establishment of the graduate program in microbiology in 2008 and served as its director until 2012. He also served as the associate department head from 2012 until June 2023. In addition, Grossman has served on the Committee on Curriculum and most recently on the Office of Minority Education's Faculty Advisory Committee.
Grossman's research primarily focuses on bacterial cellular processes, including mechanisms of bacteria sensing, DNA replication, cellular responses, particularly in Bacillus subtilis. His work also involves studying horizontal gene transfer, a key process in bacterial evolution and adaptation. One notable study illustrated in 2025 highlights his research on the control of bacterial development by the altered localization of transcription factors in B. subtilis, indicating his interest in regulatory mechanisms of bacterial cell behavior.
Grossman's research contributes significantly to microbiology by elucidating fundamental aspects of bacterial physiology and genetics, which can impact antibiotic resistance, bacterial pathogenesis, and biotechnology. However, the search results did not provide specific details on awards received by Grossman.
Grossman's lab studies horizontal gene transfer, the primary means by which antibiotic resistance is spread among bacteria. His research excellence lies in bacterial sensing mechanisms, DNA replication control in bacteria, cellular response regulation in Bacillus subtilis, and mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer.
Michael Sipser, dean of the School of Science and the Barton L. Weller Professor of Mathematics, expressed support for Grossman's appointment. Grossman's extensive experience in service, research, education, and outreach within the Department of Biology at MIT makes him a suitable candidate for the position.
Grossman received a life-saving heart transplant in 2006. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Academy of Microbiology, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
The graduate program in microbiology is an interdepartmental, interdisciplinary endeavour with more than 50 participating faculty members from several departments in the School of Science and School of Engineering. Grossman's leadership is expected to further strengthen the programme and contribute to the advancement of microbiology research at MIT.
- Alan D. Grossman, the new head of the Department of Biology at MIT, has a background in biochemistry and molecular biology, having studied at Brown University and the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
- In addition to his role as a department head, Grossman has served on the Committee on Curriculum and the Office of Minority Education's Faculty Advisory Committee at MIT.
- Grossman's research mainly focuses on bacterial cellular processes, particularly in Bacillus subtilis, and includes studies on bacterial sensing, DNA replication, and cellular response regulation.
- His research in bacterial physiology and genetics has the potential to influence areas such as antibiotic resistance, bacterial pathogenesis, and biotechnology.
- Grossman's lab also studies horizontal gene transfer, a key process in bacterial evolution and adaptation, and the primary means by which antibiotic resistance is spread among bacteria.
- Grossman is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Academy of Microbiology, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
- The graduate program in microbiology at MIT is an interdepartmental, interdisciplinary program involving more than 50 faculty members from various departments in the School of Science and School of Engineering, and Grossman's leadership is expected to enhance the program further.
