Paul Cobine, PhD

Paul Cobine, PhD

  • Chair of Biological Sciences
  • Lawrence C. Wit Professor
  • Biological Sciences
  • The Deans Office
    • (334) 844-1661
    pac0006@auburn.edu
    101E Rouse Life Sciences
    Google Scholar
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    Cobine Research Group Website

    Cellular life is the most amazing feat of architecture, engineering, self-sufficiency, coordinated infrastructure and cooperation. Unraveling and solving the profound blueprint for complexity and resilience continues to fascinate and engage me every day. My research is primarily focused on metal homeostasis using cellular and molecular biology in multiple bacterial and eukaryotic systems. I have extensive experience and training in biochemistry, yeast and bacterial genetics, spectroscopy, analytical chemistry, cell biology, and natural products chemistry. My laboratory currently has active and collaborative projects in multiple experimental systems including yeast, bacteria, cell culture, mice, sea urchins, copepods, plants,and birds.

    Education

    • Bachelor of Science The University of Queensland 1995

    • Doctor of Philosophy The University of Queensland 2004

    Professional Experience

    • 2022-present    Chair of Biological Sciences, Auburn University
    • 2019-2022        Graduate Program Officer, Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University
    • since 2019        Professor, Auburn University
    • 2014-2019       Associate Professor, Auburn University
    • 2008-2014       Assistant Professor, Auburn University
    • 2006-2008       UMDF Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Utah 
    • 2002-2006       Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Utah
    • 1998-2000       Research Assistant, National Research Center for Environmental Toxicology, Brisbane
    • 1995-1996       Research Assistant, The University of Queensland, Brisbane

    Innovation

    My research is primarily focused on the molecular level events that allow the balancing metal requirements within cells and organelles. In particular, I use innovative approaches of basic science linking analytical measurement of metal elements to genetic and biochemical analysis of the genes, proteins and small molecules that mediate bioavailability. Approximately 40 percent of the cellular proteome requires metals for proper function. However, we have a limited understanding of how these essential elements get to the necessary target and how they avoid inappropriate interactions. As a career goal I want to have a cooperative research group that provides our expertise with measurement and spectroscopic analysis to others using multiple prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems to enhance interdisciplinary training and research opportunities. My research has been funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

    Engagement

    Only with opportunity can someone reach their potential. I have demonstrated a strong and continuing commitment to providing opportunities through undergraduate teaching, training and outreach. I have provided basic training in undergraduate research program as a mentor for 160 students over the last 10 years. Many of these students come from our Biomedical Sciences major and they have used this experience to propel them to Medical and Graduate School. I have also mentored Regional High School students and Science Teachers for Auburn University Cellular and Molecular Bioscience program for Teaching Enhancement. This program provides the teacher with a scientific module that is taught in the classroom after completion of the program. I have been actively involved in outreach in Alabama, sponsoring High School student research for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fairand providing mentorship to high-needs regional school teachers for developing project based learning activities for improving Science Fair participation. This includes providing materials and advising students on scientific methods.

    Teaching

    My teaching goals are 1) inspiration 2) problem-solving as a tool to motivate deeper knowledge 3) mixed media presentation to enhance learning across multiple skill levels and learning styles and 4) enjoyment of the process. When all these factors come together and are refined over multiple iterations of the class, students become committed to learning and drive themselves to become life-long learners. My goal for Auburn University is to produce classes that make my students feel accomplished and inspire a love of cellular and molecular biology.

    Classes Taught:

    • BIOL 1020 Principles of Biology
    • BIOL 2100: Professional Development
    • BIOL 3200: General Microbiology
    • BIOL 5200: Clinical Microbiology
    • BIOL 5210: Microbial Physiology
    • BIOL 5230: Virology
    • BIOL 5260: Prokaryotic Molecular Genetics
    • BIOL 7970: Teaching for Graduate Teaching Assistants
    • BIOL 7970: Models Systems and Disease

    Honors and Awards

    • 2021-2026 Lawrence C. Wit Professor, Auburn University
    • 2019 The Gerald and Emily Leischuck Endowed Presidential Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Auburn University
    • 2018 Young Scholar Award, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University
    • 2018 Faculty and Staff Award, Auburn University Parents Association
    • 2017 Outstanding Teacher, College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University
    • 2016 Outstanding Faculty Outreach, College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University
    • 2014 Outstanding Faculty Advisor, College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University
    • 2010 Faculty Honoree, Camp War Eagle, Freshman Orientation Program, Auburn University
    • 2007 - 2008 UMDF Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Utah

     

     

    Why Auburn?

    My wife and I have a five children: one is a graduate from the College of Education (War Eagle!), two have graduated of College of Liberal Arts (War Eagle again and again), one is a graduate College of Science and Mathematics (War Eagle four times!!!). My fifth child is graduating high school and has a scholarship to play collegiate soccer at University of West Alabama. I have seen that Auburn offers them everything (except NCAA men's soccer!) that they could possibly need to succeed so why look any further than right here for college. Because of this I will always strive to provide you with the opportunities to succeed. So don't hesitate to contact me for help, advice or just to chat about how incredible E. coli or Streptococcus pyogenes or even Neisseria gonorrhoeae can be!