Madden’s research on microscopic life is often featured in the press, particularly her studies on the microbial community of food,[2][3] using advanced DNA techniques to create the first atlas of arthropods in USA homes,[4][5][6] investigating the microscopic life in dust,[7] and using insect yeasts for ethanol production and beer brewing.[8][9][10][11][12][13]
Her research on insect-associated microorganisms lead to a patent application on the use of the yeastLachancea thermotolerans for beer brewing[14] and the first commercialization of primary souring yeasts for making sour beer. She first isolated the yeast from wasps and bumblebees.[15] This technology formed the basis of the biotechnology company Lachancea LLC.
Madden discovered and named the species Mucor nidicola, a fungus that lives inside the nests of wasps.[16] Madden presented at the TED2017 conference in Vancouver, BC.[17] She has also presented at other TED events such as TEDxCharlotte[18] and TEDxGateway.[19] She was featured in the award-winning science documentary film "The Kingdom: How Fungi Made Our World."[20]
She is the founder of The Microbe Institute, an interdisciplinary resource for microbial discovery with a focus on education, art and discovery. The Microbe Institute also features a fellowship program that supports individuals in pursuing short (typically < 6 month) interdisciplinary projects related to microbes.
She has some of the most famous hair in science, as the Luxuriant Flowing Hair Club for Scientists—a group associated with the Ig Nobel Award[21]—named her woman of the year in 2015.[22]