banner
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin
@markowenmartin.bsky.social
2.5K followers 250 following 4.5K posts
Microbial evangelist and podcaster. Husband, father, moderate. Associate Professor at the University of Puget Sound, facing retirement in June of 2026. Looking for what is next that sparks microbial joy.
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 17h
One of my #Bio350 #Micronauts at @univpugetsound found some agar degrading microbes—-pitters—-from a seawater sample. #MarineMicrobiologicalSafari #MicrobialCentrism @asmicrobiology @MicrobeTV
3
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 1d
Late night #DeepMicrobialThoughts.
7
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 1d
The future looms! Please think positive thoughts so I can manifest a role as a "MIcrobial Evangelist" after the end of June!
4
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 1d
My zebra isopods are doing well! This species rolls up when disturbed.
6
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 1d
Three cheers for protein. These guys are ravenous. Isopods FTW.
3
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 1d
Schedule for next Fall is out. I am not on it, because I will be retired. In the back of my mind, I thought I might be asked back to teach. But a colleague will be teaching micro in the Fall instead of me. It's an odd feeling, but natural. I need to find an outlet for my microbial enthusiasm.
a man with a beard is wearing a black jacket with the words move on with your life below him
ALT: a man with a beard is wearing a black jacket with the words move on with your life below him
media.tenor.com
3
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 2d
I have concerns.
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 2d
We should talk!
1
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 2d
A lovely agarolytic red marine bacterium pitting the agar that solidifies the nutrient medium. Part of a #MarineMicrobiologicalSafari for my #Bio350 #Micronauts at @univpugetsound . @ASMicrobiology #PitterParty @microbe.tv
2 1 10
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 2d
Eeek.
2
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 2d
Eeek.
1
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 2d
As the days tick by on the last class I will teach here at the University of Puget Sound, I am trying to think about how to create a future that will bring me calm, satisfaction, and meaning.
1
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 2d
On Friday, Episode #110 of #MattersMicrobial became available. The brilliant Dr. Sean Gibbons joined the #QualityQuorum to describe what the microbiome can tell us about numbers, nutrients, and health. I learned so much. Sean is the #MicrobiomeWhisperer. @microbe.tv

youtu.be/wdwTma0gV4k?...
1 4 8
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 2d
Azula of the #FireSkinkNation is freshly shed and wanted to show off.
2
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 2d
Two weeks ago, #BabyCarl tried to eat a hopper that was too large. After two attempts he gave up. I guess he was not hungry today #FriendNotFood
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 2d
The heck with pumpkin jack o lanterns. Bring back the creepy turnip version!
1
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 3d
This is the last semester I will be officially teaching at the Puget Sound before retirement in June. Next semester, I have no teaching responsibilities (50% salary).

But Penn State asked me to visit next semester to give a seminar and put on a LuxArt session. I am so grateful. #NotQuiteFadedAway
a man wearing glasses says thank you so much in front of a blue background
ALT: a man wearing glasses says thank you so much in front of a blue background
media.tenor.com
5
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 3d
So my #Bio350 #Micronauts have eached isolated three bacterial types from their reusable water bottles---their #WaterBottleBuddies. Here is the sticker created by Ethan Kocak and nine representative plates with different sizes, colors, consistence, and even fluorescence. Now to identify them!
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 3d
This used to be funny. Now it seems prophetic. I just need to edit the word bubble.
1 1
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 3d
Some microbiology humor for my #Micronauts
2
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 3d
There is a saying attributed to Jacques Monod (but actually from Jan Kluyver): “What is true for E. coli is true for elephants.” But microbes are so diverse in form and strategy. #MattersMicrobial podcast guest Dr. Esther Angert put it best here. @asmicrobiology @univpugetsound @microbe.tv
3
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 4d
Wonderfully strange microbes from #Bio350 #Micronaut moss samples. Do any make antimicrobials? Stay tuned. @ASMicrobiology @univpugetsound @TinyEarthNet
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 4d
You are so very kind. I learned so much!
1
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 4d
I always coveted one of these!
markowenmartin.bsky.social
Mark O. Martin @markowenmartin.bsky.social · 4d
I appreciate this recommendation and will keep an eye (of my many) out for more suggestions. Thank you.
1