Dr. Virginia Young

Professor of Biology

Director of Women’s and Gender Studies

EducationDr. Virginia Young

  • B.S., Microbiology, Clemson University
  • Ph.D., Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest University
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia

Specialty

Virology, microbiology, immunology, and the fiber arts

Professional Interests

My scientific research focuses on host-pathogen interactions. Current areas of research include investigating the efficacy of long-term antimicrobials and screening natural compounds for antiviral activity in paramyxovirus infections. As a fiber artist, I am also interested in the intersection of the arts and sciences (STEAM), especially in the context of classroom applications to promote student learning.

Recent Publications

  • J. L. Linder, S. Aljic, H. M. Shroof, Z. B. Di Giusto, J. M. Franklin, S. Keaney, C. P. Le, O. K. George, A. M. Castaneda, L. S. Fisher, V. A. Young, and A. M. Kiefer. 2018 (web) “Exploring acid-base chemistry by making and monitoring red-cabbage sauerkraut: A fresh twist on the classic cabbage-indicator experiment.” Journal of Chemical Education. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.8b00767
  • V. A. Young, M. K. Moore, and V.R. Townsend, Jr. 2018. “Epizoic cyanobacteria associated with harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) from Tobago.” Living World, Journal of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club. 2018: 94-98
  • A. M. Kiefer, C. S. Seney, A. L. Lambright, K. A. Cottrill, and V. A. Young. 2018. “Makgeolli: Rapid production of an alcoholic beverage from the fermentation of rice.” Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education. 19(2): doi:10.1128/jmbe.v19i2.1572
  • L. Hensel, M. A. Drake, and V. A. Young. 2017. “The fiber arts in a Women’s Studies curriculum — A case study.” Feminist Teacher. 28(1):17-31
  • V. A. Young and A. M. Kiefer. 2014. “Kimchi: Spicy Science for the Undergraduate Microbiology Laboratory.” Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education.
  • C. D. Byron, D. van Valkinburgh, K. Northcutt, and V. Young. 2013. “Plasticity in the Cerebellum and Primary Somatosensory Cortex Relating to Habitual and Continuous Slender Branch Climbing in Laboratory Mice (Mus musculus).” The Anatomical Record. 296(5):822-833.
  • V. R. Townsend, Jr., M. K. Moore, D. N. Proud, and V. A. Young. 2012. “Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) of Tobago, West Indies.” Living World, Journal of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club. 41-53.
  • V. A. Young and G. F. Rall. 2009. “Making it to the synapse: measles virus spread in and among neurons.” Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 330:3-30.

Contact Dr. Virginia Young

(478) 301-2577
young_va@mercer.edu
Office: Godsey Science Center, Room 330