Dr. Whitni Redman

Assistant Research Professor, Binghamptom University

By day, I’m the Research Educator for the Microbial Biofilms in Human Health stream in Binghamton University’s First-year Research Immersion (FRI) program. By night… well, still a scientist—just one with sourdough starter on the counter and dogs in tow. I lead bright-eyed students through a three-semester research adventure packed with real-world science: literature reviews, NIH-style grant writing, poster presentations, and even manuscript drafting. The theme? You guessed it—biofilms. Sticky, stubborn, and medically important.

My research centers on medical microbiology and drug discovery, with a particular obsession for the microbial mayhem behind mycotic keratitis and diabetic foot ulcers. I study how these microbial invaders outwit the immune system and how we might finally outsmart them with novel therapeutics. Alongside my FRI students, I train undergraduate teaching assistants to help with the development of the projects and mentor independent researchers who dig into topics like biofilm dispersion, microbial behavior, and the complex lives of filamentous fungal biofilms. I'm also the Research Educator for the Microbial Biofilms REU site and Faculty Advisor for SUNY Upstate Medical University programs—because why wear one hat when you can wear five?

Fun fact: I didn’t start in biofilms—I started in poop at Peru State College where I received my BS in Natural Sciences. I then transferred to Texas Tech University HSC to receive my PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a focus in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. As a parasitologist by training, I spent five years examining the droppings of coyotes, cockroaches, and baboons to trace parasite transmission and help develop a Schistosomiasis vaccine (currently in Phase 2 clinical trials). From parasites to pathogens, I’ve always been driven by a passion for translational research and bringing lab discoveries one step closer to the bedside.

Outside the lab, you’ll find me setting on the volleyball court with my co-ed teams, harvesting veggies from my garden, or hiking with our two dogs, Max and Miyla. My engineer husband is both my favorite board game rival, travel partner, and fellow homesteading enthusiast, but let’s be honest he is only in it for the fresh pickles and cinnamon rolls.

Science, sports, sourdough, and students—that’s the Redman equation.