Miki Gebre

I am a biomedical scientist and microbiologist with a Ph.D. in Medical Science (Bacteriology) from Niigata University School of Medicine, Japan. My research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, tuberculosis biology, antimicrobial drug discovery, and immunology. Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher at Case Western Reserve University, where I investigate the biological activity of microbial metabolites and their interactions with the immune system.

Previously, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota Medical School, conducting research on novel therapeutics against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic bacteria. In addition to my research experience, I served as a faculty member at Assosa University in Ethiopia for five years, teaching microbiology, immunology, parasitology, and related biomedical sciences courses while mentoring undergraduate students and coordinating research activities. Throughout my career, I have authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, secured research grants and scholarships, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams across Africa, Asia, and North America.

I am passionate about integrating research, teaching, and mentorship to advance scientific knowledge and train the next generation of biomedical scientists.

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

 Department of Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University (May 2025-Present)

• Tested the cytotoxicity of new metabolites in vitro and in vivo studies
• Extracted gut microbiota metabolites, quality bacterial DNA from mice feces,
• Tested the immunogenicity of bacterial metabolites in NK, RAW, hTLR reporter and THP 1cells
• Handled anaerobic microbiota in an-anerobic chamber.

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School (January 2023-April 2025). Performed activities:

• Tested the cytotoxicity of new compounds in vitro and in vivo studies
• Evaluated antimicrobial activity of novel compounds in vitro, ex-vivo (cell culture), and in vivo (in mice)
• Deleted and cloned genes in bacteria by employing molecular biology
• Extracted quality DNA and RNA for gene sequencing and Tn seq and RNA libraries preparation,
• Identified a potential essential bacterial gene from RNA and Tn seq libraries

PHD STUDENT AND RESEARCH STAFF Oct 2018- Dec 2022

 Department of Bacteriology, Niigata University School of Medicine

• Extracted quality proteins from bacteria and cytokines from eukaryotic cells to study their function
• Evaluated the immunological response of mice to various proteins and mycobacterial strains by multicolor flow cytometry, cell culture techniques, ELISA, single-cell RNA preparation, and in vivo studies.
• Studied the immunogenicity of new proteins to use as an antigen candidate for vaccine development by employing microbiological, immunological, and molecular biology techniques
• Evaluated the activity of new compounds against pathogenic bacteria in vitro (culture medium), ex-vivo (cell culture), and in vivo (in mice)
• Studied histopathological effects in infected and drug-treated mice. ⬧ Analyzed data by Graph Prism and R software

 Department of Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Assosa University, Ethiopia (2012-2018). Performed activities:

• Teaching Biomedical courses such as Microbiology, Parasitology, Virology, Immunology, and Research and Scientific Report Writing to undergraduate students.
• Responsible for writing quizzes and grading assignments and exams
• Advising and supervising students in their final year project
• Preparing various documents such as laboratory manuals for courses such as microbiology, immunology, and parasitology.
• Reviewing research proposals, research terminal reports, proceedings, and book of abstracts for annual national conferences
• Participating in ongoing research projects and giving training on laboratory work for health professionals and high school teachers.

Niigata University School of Medicine

Ph.D. in Medical Science (Bacteriology), Niigata University School of Medicine, Japan.

Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

M.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences (October 2010-August 2012)

Research result: EXCELLENT

Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia

Biology (2006-2009); GPA: 3.97