Caroline M. Grunenwald

Dr. Caroline M. Grunenwald is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri, affiliated with the College of Arts and Science. She leads a research laboratory focused on understanding bacterial stress responses and antibiotic resistance mechanisms in Staphylococcus aureus. Her work integrates bacterial genetics, biochemistry, and animal models to explore signaling pathways critical for pathogen survival.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Research interests center on how S. aureus adapts to host immune defenses and antibiotic treatments. Key projects investigate the role of the Stk1 kinase in regulating metabolism, cell wall remodeling, and intrinsic β-lactam resistance. Her lab seeks to uncover novel antimicrobial targets by studying post-translational modifications and signaling cascades.

Awards:

• American Heart Association Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Award (2021)
• University of Dubuque Alumni Award of Merit (2018)
• UTCVM Dr. John C. New, JR. Award (2014)

Advising and grants: No formal advisees listed in text. Lab activities focus on interdisciplinary approaches combining -omics studies and microscopy. Future work aims to develop innovative antimicrobial strategies targeting Stk1-dependent pathways.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Biological Sciences Department’s microbiology group, collaborating on projects related to antibiotic resistance mechanisms and host-pathogen interactions.