Jennifer Mitchell

Dr. Jennifer Mitchell is a Lecturer/Assistant Professor at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science within University College Dublin's College of Science. With a PhD in Microbiology from Trinity College Dublin and postdoctoral training at UCSF, she holds certifications in University Teaching & Learning and Translational Medicine. Her research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis in bloodstream infections, particularly how bacteria interact with platelets through glycoproteins and glycolipids, and how commensal organisms transition to pathogens.

• Academic appointments: 2013-2018 Lecturer in Microbiology, 2009-2012 Lecturer in Infection Biology
• Research awards: HRB Fellow in Translational Medicine (2012-2013), Marie Curie Fellow (2010-2012)

Her recent immunoproteomic studies on Staphylococcus aureus CC97/CC151 strains reveal strain-specific immune responses and conserved immunogens like ClfB and SdrE, with implications for vaccine development. Work on Streptococcus mitis demonstrates phage-encoded virulence factors such as PblA/B adhesins interacting with platelet gangliosides. Earlier studies characterized staphylokinase's dual role in plasminogen activation and defensin resistance.

Her work has been funded through grants including:

• HRB grant for developing gram-positive pathogen colonization inhibitors (2012-2013)
• UCD project grant for S. gallolyticus motility studies (2023-2025)

Professional memberships include:

• Member of the Society for General Microbiology Prokaryotic Division Committee (2015-2018)
• Member of UCD Athena SWAN Steering Group and Women in Science Committee
• Current associate dean for study abroad programs in UCD's College of Science