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Degrees |
BS Zoology - 1977 PhD Immunology - 1985 |
Research Interests |
Pathogens have evolved to thwart our immune response and/or 'peacefully' reside within our body. How do they do this? Our laboratory focuses on the initial interactions between pathogen and host, and the intracellular signaling events that dictate a response in either host or pathogen. We are studying two different microorganisms to address these responses. First, we are studying Candida albicans, the most common opportunistic fungal pathogen and the 4th most common nosocomial infectious agent but also a member of the normal microbiota. The ability of the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans to cause disease requires rapid adaptation to changes in the host environment and to an evolving host immune response. We are particularly interested in Candida ‘survival’ factors and their effect on host-‐pathogen interaction. The second project is a collaborative venture with Dr. Haas in Biochemistry. This project is researching on how Shigella Type III secretion proteins reprogram the host innate immune response. Shigella is a major contributor to gastroenteritis and the causative agent of dysentery. We are focusing on how Shigella E3 type ubiquitin ligases usurp host signaling pathways. We feel that these studies will advance our knowledge of how pathogens adapt and survive in the host and will assist in the identification of new antimicrobial strategies. Molecular genetic, proteomic, cell culture and cell biology techniques are used to answer these questions. |
Teaching Activities |
Introduction to Microbial Pathogenesis
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Committees & Administrative Responsibilities |
MIP Graduate Program, Co-coordinator MIP Graduate Student Qualifying Committee, Chairman MIP Emergency Preparedness Committee Member LSUHSC-SOG Graduate Advisory Council MIP Representative, GAC Curriculum Committee Member; Graduate Research Committee, Chair LSUHSC-SOG IDP Curriculum Development Committee LSUHSC-SOM PreClerkship Course Directors, Chairman LSUHSC-SOM Curriculum Renewal Committee Member LSUHSC-SOM Curriculum Steering Committee LSUHSC-SOM Academic Standards LSUHSC-SOM Student Promotions Committee LSUHSC-SOM Communications Committee Member, Newsletter Working Group, Research Editor LSUHSC-SOM Community Outreach Committee Member,Service Projects Development & Communication (Impact) Team Leader LSUHSC IPE Team UP Facilitator LSUHSC IT Classroom Subpolling Committee |
Selected Publications |
For a list of publications, click here.
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