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
- John B. Barnett, Ph.D., Professor and Chairman - Immunology
Effects of xenobiotics on the immune system - Stacey Anderson, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor (NIOSH) - Immunology
Immunotoxicology and Hazard Identification laboratory - Mariette Barbier, Ph.D., Assistant Professor - Immunology and Medical Bacteriology
Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogen host interaction - Donald Beezhold, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor (NIOSH) - Immunology
Allergy and Clinical Immunology - Jonathan Busada, Ph.D. -
- Nyles Charon, Ph.D., Professor - Medical Bacteriology
Mechanisms of pathogenesis associated with spirochetes - Christopher F. Cuff, Ph.D., Associate Professor - Immunology
Cellular and molecular events that result in the development of antigen-specific immune responses in the gastrointestinal tract - Heath Damron, Ph.D., Assistant Professor - Immunology and Medical Bacteriology
Pathogenesis of Bordetella pertussus and vaccine development - Timothy Eubank, Ph.D., Associate Professor - Immunology
Breast cancer angiogenesis and tumor microenvironment regulation - Jennifer Franko, Ph.D., Teaching Assistant Professor - Immunology
Impact of environmental chemicals on the immune system and sexually dimorphic immune responses - Laura Gibson, Ph.D., Professor - Immunology
Lymphocyte development; apoptosis - Brett Green, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor (NIOSH) - Immunology
Allergy and Clinical Immunology - Slawomir Lukomski, Ph.D., Associate 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 - Gordon Meares, Ph.D., Assistant Professor - Immunology
Mechanisms of Neuro-Inflammation - John Noti, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor (NIOSH) - Medical Virology
Understanding aerosol transmission of the influenza virus in healthcare settings - Yong Qian, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor (NIOSH) - Immunology
Effects of exposure to Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) - Jenny Roberts, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor (NIOSH) - Immunology
In vivo models to evaluate lung inflammation, injury, immunomodulation, and development of pulmonary disease - Cory Robinson, Ph.D., Associate Professor - Medical Bacteriology
Early life immunity during acute bacterial infection and Mycobacterium tuberculosis host-pathogen interactions - Rosana Schafer, Ph.D., Associate Professor - Immunology
Immune response to Listeria; vaccine development - Edwin Wan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor - Immunology
Mechanistic studies of multiple sclerosis and stroke-associated pneumonia