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Dr. Katherine Bultman, PhD

Assistant Professor of Genetics and Microbiology

TEACHES IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM(S)

Biology

Biography

I have always had a strong interest in biology and a drive to understand the world around me. During my time at Lawrence University, I took the opportunity to explore my many interests in biology spanning from the molecular scale to the ecological. I participated in the marine program which provided research opportunities on the coral reefs around Grand Cayman Island. I also participated in independent research in the lab of Dr. Kimberly Dickson focused on the interactions of the protein Angiogenin with other proteins in human cells. Lawrence also offered many opportunities to continue my love of music. I performed with multiple choirs, symphonic band, wind ensemble, and orchestra.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I spent 2 years at Dartmouth in Hanover, NH working as a research technician in the lab of Dr. Robert Cramer. This experience led to my love of microbiology and gaining a better understanding of the unseen organisms on our planet. My work focused on how the fungus Aspergillius fumigatus can grow in low oxygen conditions that arise during lung infections. In addition, I developed a mouse model for the disease Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis that impacts people with asthma or Cystic Fibrosis. I then pursued a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison working in the lab of Dr. Mark Mandel. My research focused on the diversity of the bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the impact of this diversity on the bacterium’s ability to colonize its animal host the Hawaiian Bobtail squid (see Research Interests). During my time at UW-Madison, I worked to learn the best teaching practices for higher education through the WISCIENCE Scientific Teaching fellows program. I believe that every student has the potential to succeed, and it is my job to help them do so. Students can expect various activities in my classes that help them think through material in different ways to enhance their learning.

Outside of the classroom, I sing with Madison’s premier vocal ensemble the Madison Choral Project and spend time with my family. 
 

Education

  • Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison 
  • BA in Biology, Lawrence University 

Areas of Specialization

Bacterial genetics, biofilms, host-microbe interactions 

Research Interests

The Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes) forms a beneficial relationship with the marine bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri. Upon hatching from their eggs, the Hawaiian bobtail squid juveniles will acquire V. fischeri from the seawater. The bacterial cells during this acquisition process will produce a gel-like matrix that allows them to stick together, known as a biofilm. Production of a biofilm is necessary for the proper acquisition of the bacterium from the seawater. 

My research focuses on how different variants of V. fischeri isolated from various squid hosts produce this biofilm. I focus specifically on the cellular mechanisms and variations in the proteins needed to make the biofilm and assess how this impacts the bacterium’s ability to colonize the squid host. I work in an ongoing collaboration with Dr. Mark Mandel at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Students who work with me in the lab will learn techniques in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, and imaging. 
 

Scholarly and Professional Achievements

  • WISCIENCE Scientific Teaching Fellow 
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow 
Publications
  • Bultman KM, Luy AC, Mandel MJ. Divergent Regulation of a Conserved Symbiosis Factor in Vibrio fischeri. In preparation. 
  • Speare L, Woo M, Bultman KM, Mandel MJ, Wollenberg MS, Septer AN. (2021) Host-Like Conditions Are Required for T6SS-Mediated Competition among Vibrio fischeri Light Organ Symbionts. mSphere 6(4):e0128820. doi: 10.1128/mSphere.01288-20.
  • Ludvik DA, Bultman KM, Mandel MJ. (2021) Hybrid Histidine Kinase BinK Represses Vibrio fischeri Biofilm Signaling at Multiple Developmental Stages. J. Bacteriol. 203(15), doi: 10.1128/JB.00155-21. 
  • Guckes KR, Cecere AG, Wasilko NP, Williams AL, Bultman KM, Mandel MJ, Miyashiro T. (2019) Incompatibility of Vibrio fischeri Strains during Symbiosis Establishment Depends on Two Functionally Redundant hcp Genes. J. Bacteriol. 201(19), doi: 10.1128/JB.00221-19. 
  • Bultman KM, Cecere AG, Miyashiro T, Septer AN, Mandel MJ. (2019). Draft Genome Sequences of Type VI  Secretion System-Encoding Vibrio fischeri Strains FQ-A001 and ES401. Microbiol Resour Announc. 8(20),doi: 10.1128/MRA.00385-19. 
  • Thammahong A, Dhingra S, Bultman KM, Kerkaert JD, Cramer RA. (2019). An Ssd1 Homolog Impacts Trehalose and Chitin Biosynthesis and Contributes to Virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus. mSphere. 4(3), doi: 10.1128/mSphere.00244-19. 
  • Rotman ER*, Bultman KM*, Brooks JF 2nd, Gyllborg MC, Burgos HL, Wollenberg MS, Mandel, MJ (2019). Natural Strain Variation Reveals Diverse Biofilm Regulation in Squid-Colonizing Vibrio fischeri. J.Bacteriol.201(9), doi: 10.1128/JB.00033-19. *Co-first authors                
  • Rees CA, Stefanuto PH, Beattie SR, Bultman KM, Cramer RA, Hill JE. (2017). Sniffing out the Hypoxia Volatile Metabolic Signature of Aspergillus fumigatus. J. Breath Res. 11(3), doi: 10.1088/1752-7163/aa7b3e.
  • Bultman, K.M.*, Kowalski, C.H.*, Cramer, R.A. (2016) Aspergillus fumigatus Virulence Through the Lens ofTranscription Factors. Medical Mycology. doi:10.1093/mmy/myw120 *Co-first     authors
  • Dhingra, S., Kowalski, C.H., Thammahong, A., Beattie, S.R., Bultman, K.M., Cramer, R.A. (2015). RbdB, a Rhomboid Protease Critical for SREBP Activation and Virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus. mSphere, 1(2), doi: 10.1128/mSphere.00035-16. 
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