Robin Kurtz

Robin Kurtz first attended UW-Madison as an undergraduate and received her BS in Bacteriology in 1978. After graduation, she worked as a lab technician in the private sector for 2 years, then returned to campus and received her PhD. In Bacteriology in 1984. Robin extended her training as a Postdoctoral fellow until 1990 when she accepted a position as an instructor in the Department of Bacteriology. After 32 years she became a Distinguished Faculty Associate in 2012 and finally a Distinguished Teaching Professor in 2022. In addition to teaching a variety of both lecture and laboratory classes, Robin served as an advisor for both Bacteriology and Biology students, Director of the NSF funded Research Experience for Undergraduates in Microbiology for 13 years, and on many committees at the department, college, and campus level. Robin received college awards for Teaching and Service from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

In addition to teaching-related activities, Robin was active in Academic Staff Governance, serving on the Professional Development and Recognition Committee, Academic Staff Executive Committees, and Districting and Representation Committee. Robin also served on the CALS Academic Planning Council (APC), University Academic Planning Counsel, and as an Academic Staff representative on the University Book Store Board of Directors. Robin retired in May 2022.