Robert Landick is an expert on microbial gene expression and regulation. His contributions include pioneering studies of the structure, function, and regulation of RNA polymerase and span disciplines from single-molecule biochemistry to genome-scale mechanisms of gene regulation. Landick's research is focused on engineering new microbial strains that consolidate optimal production of enzymes to release sugars from lignocellullose and optimal conversion of the released sugars to biofuels. In addition to his role as Science Director for the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), he contributes to GLBRC research on new microbial strains optimized for biofuel production. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.