Virulence by pathogenic bacteria

Employ the tools of molecular biology and physical biochemistry to understand the processes used by human pathogens to cause disease. For my lab, this involves studying the sequestration and mobilization of metals by bacterial pathogens to make them more virulent. Multidisciplinary approaches and collaborations are necessary to achieve high impact studies today. I also see the training of diverse scientists who can communicate the importance of academic research to the public, the press, to industry, and to other specialists in legal or societal issues as an increasingly important goal of academic researchers.

We have recently demonstrated that some human pathogenic bacteria are able to use molecular hydrogen, produced as a consequence of normal intestinal flora, as an energy source for growth while residing in the animal. The roles of hydrogren use by the pathogen vary with the pathogen and the tissue environment colonized. The use of hydrogen is a clever ploy to maintain a population of the pathogen in the infected animal, yet avoid competing with the host for energy sources the host normally uses.

My area of research is perfectly complemented by the microbiology faculty and other researchers here. Opportunities from academic research to application and even entrepreneurial  avenues abound here.  The expanding research environment in this state, with its emphasis on integrating pure scientific knowledge with growth of commercially applicable and cutting edge technology is an outstanding one. Being a part of these growth initiatives brings unsurpassed personal and professional reward.