Investigating How Microbes Adapt to Tackle Toxic Metals

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Assistant Professor of Chemistry and BiochemistryBrianna "Bri" Bibel was planning to pursue a career as a physician until a formative experience participating in undergraduate research alongside a faculty mentor changed her trajectory.

"In preparing to apply for medical school, I wanted research experience," Bibel said. "But I fell in love with research and decided to pursue my Ph.D. I also discovered a strong desire to teach undergraduates, which grew throughout graduate school."

Joining LMU's Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering in fall 2025, Bibel was drawn to the university's teacher-scholar model, close-knit learning environment, strong emphasis on undergraduate research, state-of-the-art science facilities, and supportive leadership.

Bibel's research team, currently four undergraduate students, investigates how bacteria rewire their metabolism to facilitate the process of "bioremediation" - using living organisms to clean up the environment. Bibel is most interested in the bioremediation of the toxic heavy metal chromium, Cr(VI), and the core metabolic enzyme malate dehydrogenase (MDH)'s role in this process. High levels of chromium are incompatible with most life. However, some bacteria not only survive in its presence but also reduce it to a much less hazardous form, Cr(III). It's essentially a biological "detox." This form of remediation is more environmentally friendly and sustainable than conventional chemical and physical methods.

With these experiments, Bibel's research team aims to help tease apart both conserved and unique metabolic adaptations of the soil bacterium Bacillus safensis. Simultaneously, they are working to put this knowledge to practical use. They hope that by optimizing the bioremediation potential of Bacillus safensis it could eventually be used to clean up heavy metal-contaminated environments and promote the growth of plants in once-barren landscapes.

The questions Bibel is looking to answer through her research are:

• How does Bacillus safensis metabolically adapt to detoxify metals?
• What direct and indirect roles does malate dehydrogenase (MDH) play in this process?
• How is Bacillus safensis' MDH protein well-adapted for this role?
• Can we use this knowledge to advance the use of Bacillus safensis for metal bioremediation?

Bibel currently teaches a biochemistry course and biochemistry lab. In spring 2026, she will teach an advanced biochemistry lab through a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE). "CURE is extremely beneficial because it allows students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to conduct research to try it out," she said. "Family obligations, jobs, and other responsibilities can prevent students from joining research groups outside of class time, and some students are apprehensive in approaching professors to ask to join a research project."

The advanced biochemistry lab led by Bibel is designed to provide an immersive scientific investigation experience. "I'm excited to integrate my lab research into the CURE program," Bibel said. "The students will engage in the investigations conducted in my research lab. They will work on the MDH protein, but they will be charged with forming and testing hypotheses, asking/answering questions, designing mutations, and then implementing them to see how that impacts the protein."

Bibel earned a doctorate in biological sciences at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences in New York and a bachelor's degree in biology at Saint Mary's College of California.

She leverages online platforms to make biochemistry accessible to learners of all ages through her digital alter ego, The Bumbling Biochemist. "I love learning and strive to help others learn through The Bumbling Biochemist," she said. "I'm on a mission to make biochemistry fun and accessible for all."