Kelly Wrighton succeeds Thulani Makhalanyane who is based at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. His dedicated leadership has significantly strengthened ISME’s ambassador network and global outreach. ISME expresses deep gratitude for Thulani Makhalanyane’s contributions and the lasting impact of his tenure.
With nearly 15 years of engagement with ISME, Wrighton brings a strong commitment to advancing microbial ecology worldwide. She has been an ISME Early Career Award recipient, an organizer of bioinformatics workshops at ISME meetings, and a member of the ISME International Board for the past four years. Her ties to other organizations including a fellow of the American Society of Microbiology and American Geophysical Union, offer opportunities for cross agency collaboration.
As Ambassador Program Director, Wrighton will work closely with ISME’s ambassadors to support national and regional initiatives, strengthen international partnerships, and expand ISME’s mission of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in microbial ecology. She is eager to engage with ambassadors and regional leaders to enhance outreach, professional development, and support for early-career scientists.
“I am honored to take on this role. ISME’s ambassadors play a vital role in strengthening microbial ecology communities worldwide, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to further ISME’s mission,” said Kelly Wrighton.
Read more information about the ISME Ambassador Program.
Kelly Wrighton is a leader in microbial ecosystems research, focusing on how microbial communities control biogeochemical processes, particularly in extreme environments. She leads the Microbial Ecosystems Laboratory at Colorado State University, where her research uses both computational systems biology and laboratory-based approaches to predict microbial metabolic potential and investigate the interactions between microorganisms and their environment.
Before her tenure at CSU, Wrighton earned her PhD in Plant and Microbial Biology and completed postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley under Dr. Jill Banfield, where she gained expertise in bioinformatics. Her multidisciplinary work in ecology, microbiology, and environmental science continues to contribute to significant advancements in microbial ecology, positioning her as a vital figure in both academic research and applied environmental sciences.