Research

Our faculty research interests are diverse. Advancing knowledge that improves human health and the quality of life is the ultimate goal of each investigator. Faculty research interests include studies in molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and immunity, cell biology, and immunology. The department offers many opportunities to conduct groundbreaking research in these fields in a collaborative, stimulating environment. In addition, educational opportunities abound in the forms of lectures, seminars, and discussions. These programs provide students with the opportunity to develop depth and breadth of knowledge in their chosen field of research. Current research is conducted in immunology, molecular genetics / virology, medical bacteriology, parasitology, and medical mycology.

Active Research Laboratories

Immunology and Medical Microbiology 

• Mariette Barbier, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair - Immunology and Medical Bacteriology 
  Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogen host interaction
• Jon Busada, Ph.D., Assistant Professor -   Immunology
  Discovery of new gastric cancer diagnostics and treatments
• Heath Damron, Ph.D., Associate Professor - Immunology and Medical Bacteriology 
  Pathogenesis of Bordetella pertussus and vaccine development
• Timothy Eubank, Ph.D., Professor - Immunology
  Breast cancer angiogenesis and tumor microenvironment regulation
• Jennifer Franko, Ph.D., Assistant Professor - Immunology
  Impact of environmental chemicals on the immune system and sexually dimorphic immune responses
• Michael Hu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor - Bioinformatics
• Tracy Liu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor - Immunology
  Tumor immunology, Immunotherapeutics, Intravital imaging
• Slawomir Lukomski, Ph.D., Professor - Medical Bacteriology
  Pathogenesis of Group A Streptococcus 
• Ivan Martinez, Ph.D., Associate Professor - Immunology and Medical Virology 
  Non-coding RNAs and HPV related cancers
• Cory Robinson, Ph.D., Professor - Medical Bacteriology 
  Early life immunity during acute bacterial infection and Mycobacterium tuberculosis host-pathogen interactions
• Edwin Wan, Ph.D., Associate Professor - Immunology 
  Mechanistic studies of multiple sclerosis and stroke-associated pneumonia