Joseph Flaherty

About Joseph Flaherty

As Director of Research and Professor of Biology at Coker University, I oversee student-faculty research programs, mentor grant development, and guide cross-campus efforts that blend academic rigor with meaningful student engagement. My teaching and research interests include fungal biology, microbial ecology, and plant-microbe interactions. I support undergraduate inquiry into topics such as biodegradation of pollutants by fungi, soil microbiome health, and applications of molecular genetics in agriculture. Whether I’m reviewing submitted manuscripts or grant proposals, shaping institutional culture, or helping first-year students discover their scientific voice, I’m driven by one question: How can we improve systems that help expand student access and success in higher education? Let’s connect if you’re passionate about knowledge generation, faculty development, or transforming higher education through research, mentoring, and collaboration.

Experience

1. Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives Professor of Biology at Coker University

   Coker University

   Aug 2005 — Present · Hartsville, SC, US

Education

• North Carolina State University

  Master of Science - MS, Plant Pathology/Phytopathology

• Purdue University

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Fungal Genetics

  2000 — 2003

• North Carolina State University

  Bachelor's degree, Zoology/Animal Biology

Skills

• Qualitative Research
• Student Affairs
• Curriculum Design
• Critical Thinking
• Program Development
• Public Speaking
• Teaching
• Molecular Biology
• Grant Writing
• Research
• University Teaching
• Statistics
• Data Analysis
• Student Development
• Higher Education
• Spss