Dr. McLean named Interim Co-Director of Microbiome Center
The Center for Microbiome Sciences & Therapeutics (CMiST), part of the UW Medicine’s Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, is a scientific research center committed to understanding the dynamic interactions between the microbiome and our own human cells, to advancing the development of microbiome-based biotherapeutics to treat or prevent disease, and to educating the community about the importance of the microbiome in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To accomplish these goals, CMiST has established relationships with world class clinicians, scientists, and educators that span biomedical and basic science departments as well as the arts.
With access to a brand new germ-free animal facility, services devoted to understanding host-microbial and microbial-microbial interactions, and an environment that promotes scientific rigor, fosters creativity, believes in the value of arts in science, and celebrates outside the box thinking, CMiST is a beacon for translational microbiome research.
Vision
To be the foremost leader in microbiome research throughout the Pacific Northwest region known for our ground-breaking scientific discoveries, thoughtful collaborations, commitment to trainee education, and our dedication to the dissemination of research-based information and engagement with the general community.
Mission
Our mission is to serve as a conduit for connectivity, communication, and cross-functional collaboration between scientists and clinicians at the University of Washington and neighboring institutions in order to advance microbiome research and discover new treatments and cures for human disease with a particular focus on GI-related disorders, as well as, to serve as a trustworthy source for microbiome information for the general public.
Dr. Jeff McLean's research career began at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA (2000-2007). He then established a research program at the non-profit J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego, CA in 2007. He moved to the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2014 and is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Periodontics at the School of Dentistry with a joint appointment in Oral Health Sciences as well as an adjunct position in the Department of Microbiology at UW. For the past 21 years, his research has been primarily devoted to developing innovative methodologies, tools, and new genomic-based approaches to study microbial interactions within biofilm communities.
Dr. McLean received his MSc at the University of Guelph in Canada and PhD at the University of Southern California. Currently, he is funded as a PI on multiple NIH awards to characterize the microbial processes that lead to oral diseases and maintain the health of the human oral microbiome.
