People

Roles: Faculty, Potential MFF (REU) Host, Potential Postdoc Mentor, Potential Undergraduate Mentor

Research Areas: Animal Hosts, Genetics, Genomics and Cell Biology of Infection, Veterinary/Clinical Research

The main focus of our research program is to elucidate key mechanistic components in enveloped viruses and their host cells that: 1) mediate viral entry into cells, 2) elicit cell immune responses, and 3) mediate viral egress from cells. These studies are leading to the development of diagnostic tools, new techniques, antiviral agents, and vaccines. Within the enveloped viruses, we focus a significant portion of our efforts on deadly zoonotic viruses with pandemic potential, such as Nipah, Hendra, influenza, and the coronaviruses.  

Roles: Faculty, Potential MFF (REU) Host

Research Areas: Animal Hosts, Bacteria, Disease Ecology and Evolution, Microbiota and Microbiomes

Our research explores the impact of host behavior and nutritional needs on the evolution of intestinal symbionts. Current projects include the study of signals that coordinate the physiology and development of intestinal bacteria with the feeding activity of their host. We are also interested in the roles microbes play in providing nutritionally important organic molecules to herbivorous hosts.

Roles: Faculty

Research Areas: Animal Hosts, Bacteria, Disease Ecology and Evolution, Genetics, Genomics and Cell Biology of Infection, Microbiota and Microbiomes, Viruses

The August lab is interested in infection-based and environment signals that trigger inflammation. We are particularly interested in signals regulated by the Tec family kinases, and how they regulate activation of cells such as mast cells and T cells to drive their differentiation and production of inflammatory cytokines.

Roles: Faculty

Research Areas: Agriculture Research, Animal Hosts, Genetics, Genomics and Cell Biology of Infection, Viruses

The Blissard lab addresses fundamental questions on the biology and pathology of virus-insect interactions. A primary focus is the study of viral envelope glycoproteins and their interactions with host insect cells and cell proteins during viral entry and egress. Another focus are is understanding the gene expression program of the insect pathogenic virus, Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) and the transcriptional responses of the host insect cell.

Roles: Faculty, Potential Postdoc Mentor

Research Areas: Animal Hosts, Disease Ecology and Evolution, Genetics, Genomics and Cell Biology of Infection, Microbiota and Microbiomes

I study how microbes in the human microbiome are transmitted among individuals, using a wide range of approached including shotgun metagenomics of microbiome communities, culture-based methods, and single-cell analyses. Another main focus is horizontal transmission of genes between members of the microbiome, specifically focusing on genes conferring antibiotic resistance.

Roles: Faculty, Potential Postdoc Mentor

Research Areas: Animal Hosts, Bacteria, Disease Ecology and Evolution, Fungi, Genetics, Genomics and Cell Biology of Infection, Microbiota and Microbiomes, Veterinary/Clinical Research, Viruses

The Buchon lab focuses on the impact of pathogens and the microbiota on body homeostasis. We use systemic infection as a model for septicemia, and the gut response to infection as a model for mucosal immunity. Genomic and genetic approaches allow us to characterize new pathways involved in both resistance and tolerance to infection. Specifically, we are interested in the three-way dialogue between gut microbes, intestinal stem cells, and gut structure and function.

Roles: Faculty, Potential MFF (REU) Host

Research Areas: Agriculture Research, Bacteria, Fungi, Microbiota and Microbiomes, Plant Hosts, Viruses

My research program explores soil microbiome dynamics and their impacts on ecosystem and plant health. Students will use genomics and culture-based experiments to understand how soil bacteria response to plant root exudates. They will gain skills in microbiology and bioinformatics, and learn concepts in community ecology and bacterial genome evolution.

Roles: Faculty, Potential Undergraduate Mentor

Research Areas: Bacteria, Disease Ecology and Evolution, Genetics, Genomics and Cell Biology of Infection, Immunology, Microbiota and Microbiomes

We look to elucidate the mechanisms through which small proteins, approximately 50 amino acids in length, contribute to the regulation of stress responses in bacteria, with a particular focus on E. coli and B. subtilis. Our research revolves around exploring the role of these small proteins in modulating two-component systems, which serve as vital sensory and adaptive mechanisms in response to diverse external stimuli.

Roles: Faculty

Research Areas: Animal Hosts, Genetics, Genomics and Cell Biology of Infection, Veterinary/Clinical Research, Viruses

We study positive and negative interactions between viruses and antibodies. We are particularly interested in maternal antibodies, which are transferred from mother to infant to protect against neonatal infections. However, these antibodies can also block the infant response to vaccines. Despite this phenomenon being identified decades ago, the mechanisms underpinning this interference are still a mystery. We are working to discover how maternal antibodies interact with infant antibody responses, which paves the way for development of new vaccine strategies.

Roles: Faculty

Research Areas: Animal Hosts, Disease Ecology and Evolution, Genetics, Genomics and Cell Biology of Infection, Viruses

We study emerging arboviruses and other ssRNA+ viruses. We work on understanding the interactions between viruses and its hosts. Our research aims to improve our knowledge to ultimately promote global preparedness through proactive measures of prediction, surveillance, prevention, and treatment. Our lab focuses on emerging ssRNA+ zoonotic mosquito-borne viruses, such as chikungunya and dengue, which pose growing global health risks due to urbanization, international travel, and climate change-driven shifts in mosquito populations. These viruses cause illnesses with symptoms ranging from fever and myalgia to severe encephalitis and chronic arthralgia. We aim to uncover viral emergence mechanisms, identify host factors influencing viral replication and transmission, and deepen our understanding of viral RNA and host interactions, ultimately enhancing preparedness and response to epidemics and pandemics.