About
Dwayne M. Baxa, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Foundational Medical Studies at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB). He joined OUWB in July 2013 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and currently teaches Microbiology in the M1-M2 medical curriculum.
Education:
- B.S. in Biology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI
- M.S. in Basic Medical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit
- Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University
- Certificate in Molecular Diagnostics, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI
Research Interests: Dr. Baxa's research focuses on viral pathogens, particularly HIV and Hepatitis B and C. His work includes HIV antiretroviral drug resistance and phenotyping, HBV therapy resistance mutations, and infection control. He has a strong interest in medical education and student wellness, contributing significantly to OUWB's educational mission.
Although no recent publications are listed in the source text, his research trajectory emphasizes clinical virology, translational HIV studies, and educational scholarship, particularly through program development and student engagement.
Scientific Awards:
Advising and Grants: Dr. Baxa has received investigator-initiated funding from Merck Pharmaceuticals to study the effects of HIV integrase inhibitors on cellular apoptosis and from Gilead Sciences to investigate HBV therapy resistance mutations in recent seroconverters. He was part of a multidisciplinary team funded by the Institute for Population Studies, Health Assessment, Administration, Services and Economics (INPHAASE) to conduct a social media-based HIV prevention program for youth in the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility. He currently serves as co-Director of the Embark Program, OUWB's required scholarly concentration, indicating active mentorship and academic leadership.
Labs and Teams: Dr. Baxa maintains active research collaborations with the Division of Infectious Diseases at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where he previously served as Assistant Staff Scientist and Technical Director of the Infectious Disease Research Laboratory. His work involves clinical testing and research in HIV resistance, and he continues to contribute to joint projects between OUWB and Henry Ford Hospital.
