Danielle Graham, Ph.D.
Fayetteville State University
Danielle Graham, Ph.D. currently serves as interim associate dean and associate professor of microbiology in the Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences at Fayetteville State University (FSU). With over 15 years of academic experience, Graham has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success by creating meaningful pathways that lead to positive educational and career outcomes.
An alumna of Fayetteville State University, Graham earned her bachelor's degree in biology, followed by a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Arkansas for medical sciences. She completed a SPIRE postdoctoral fellowship funded by NIH at UNC-Chapel Hill, with a focus on pedagogy and research training.
Since joining the faculty at FSU in 2017, Graham has taught numerous courses in microbiology and related disciplines and has established a productive research program centered on microbial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. Her current research focuses on the identification of novel antimicrobial-producing microorganisms from soil that inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of ESKAPE pathogens. The goal of this work is to identify chemical compounds that may play a synergistic role in combating antibiotic resistance and biofilm-related infections. She currently manages several federally funded research projects and has established impactful collaborations to support her work. Her efforts have contributed to securing significant external funding in support of her department and students.
In 2020, Graham was recognized as one of the “1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America” by Cell Mentor. She is also an active member of the American Society for Microbiology, serving on the ASM Subcommittee on ASM Maximizing Opportunities through Education. Graham is passionate about cultivating an inclusive scientific community and remains actively engaged in mentoring the next generation of scientists through research, teaching and service.
An alumna of Fayetteville State University, Graham earned her bachelor's degree in biology, followed by a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Arkansas for medical sciences. She completed a SPIRE postdoctoral fellowship funded by NIH at UNC-Chapel Hill, with a focus on pedagogy and research training.
Since joining the faculty at FSU in 2017, Graham has taught numerous courses in microbiology and related disciplines and has established a productive research program centered on microbial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. Her current research focuses on the identification of novel antimicrobial-producing microorganisms from soil that inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of ESKAPE pathogens. The goal of this work is to identify chemical compounds that may play a synergistic role in combating antibiotic resistance and biofilm-related infections. She currently manages several federally funded research projects and has established impactful collaborations to support her work. Her efforts have contributed to securing significant external funding in support of her department and students.
In 2020, Graham was recognized as one of the “1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America” by Cell Mentor. She is also an active member of the American Society for Microbiology, serving on the ASM Subcommittee on ASM Maximizing Opportunities through Education. Graham is passionate about cultivating an inclusive scientific community and remains actively engaged in mentoring the next generation of scientists through research, teaching and service.