UW-Milwaukee PhD Student Leads Research on Antibiotic Resistance

Kieyarrah Dennis studies how antibiotic-resistant pathogens spread through water, communities, and food systems.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Kieyarrah Dennis, a PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences, is conducting research on antibiotic-resistant organisms in freshwater environments. Her work focuses on studying the genetic mutations that contribute to antibiotic resistance in E. coli and how these pathogens spread through various settings, including water sources, communities, hospitals, and food systems.

Why it matters

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health challenge, and Dennis' interdisciplinary research aims to better understand the complex factors driving the spread of resistant bacteria. By examining the issue across multiple environments, her work could inform more effective strategies for combating antibiotic resistance.

The details

Dennis, who attended a bilingual school in Milwaukee, earned a double major in biochemistry and history before beginning her doctoral studies. In addition to laboratory work and genetic sequencing, she is interested in public health and improving communication between researchers and the public. Her research combines science, history, and community engagement to address the challenge of antibiotic resistance.

  • Dennis began her PhD studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences.

The players

Kieyarrah Dennis

A PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences who is researching antibiotic-resistant organisms in freshwater environments.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The university where Dennis is conducting her doctoral research on antibiotic resistance.

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The takeaway

Dennis' interdisciplinary research on antibiotic resistance in water, communities, and food systems could provide valuable insights to help address this growing global health challenge.