Summary
Bacterial pathogens that cause disease in healthcare settings and vulnerable populations threaten patient care and have quickly spread across the globe. It has become evident that certain attributes characterize those organisms capable of flourishing in niches and evading current antimicrobial regimens, thus compromising treatment. Therefore, an understanding of the current trends in circulating microbial pathogens is essential to the development of infection control strategies and novel therapeutic interventions. Thus, I believe that by combining broad molecular epidemiological surveys with targeted screens for novel inhibitors specific to the offending pathogen, we can uncover directed therapies to reduce the spread of emerging pathogens. Most importantly, these experiments can be relatively inexpensive and straightforward, can be performed safely by undergraduate students, and can provide insight into new microbial mechanisms and behaviors. By collaborating with clinical microbiology laboratories and clinicians, the divide between clinical and basic science can be bridged, and important knowledge and teaching lessons can be obtained. My goal is to collaborate with clinical microbiologists, ecologists, bioinformaticians, and basic scientists to develop a program that is both a vibrant training environment and a productive research program. Additionally, the microbes surrounding us can help identify new anti-infectives and mechanisms to reduce and recycle waste.
Full research statement available upon request.