Davida Crossley

Davida Crossley serves as Associate Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Sciences and Mathematics at Mississippi University for Women, bringing over 20 years of molecular biology and microbiology expertise. Previously, she taught at Alcorn State University and Louisiana State University at Alexandria, and holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from The University of Southern Mississippi.

Her research centers on gene regulation and dimorphism in pathogenic fungi, with two decades of dedicated study on Histoplasma capsulatum. This work investigates molecular mechanisms of fungal morphological switching and pathogenesis, contributing to understanding host-pathogen interactions in dimorphic fungi.

As an active SEA-PHAGES Primary Instructor, she leads Fall 2024 phage discovery research with 4 freshmen using Arthobacter globiformis in a 6-hour/week course. Her participation in this HHMI-funded national program demonstrates strong commitment to undergraduate research education and genomic science training.