My laboratory studies the interactions between bacterial pathogens and the host epithelium. Specifically, we are interested in understanding how Pseudomonas aeruginosa exploits underlying lung dysfunction in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) to establish and maintain chronic lung infection.
We are also interested in understanding the mechanisms of biofilm formation in chonic wound infections. While a number of different pathogens have been identied in chronic wounds, P. aeruginosa is found in the most severe. We are investigating how this microbe colonizes these sites and maintains long-term infection.
The overall goal of our research is to better understand the nature of chronic infections so that new and better therapies can be developed. Toward that end, we are testing novel compounds for antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity.
