Lidiya Dubytska

Dr. Lidiya Dubytska serves as Associate Professor of Biology at Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, Baton Rouge, where she established new research directions in microbiology and pathogen-host interactions since joining in 2017. Her work focuses on bacterial virulence mechanisms and translational applications for disease control, with extensive contributions to understanding Edwardsiella ictaluri and Borrelia burgdorferi pathogenesis.

Her academic training includes:

• MS in Biochemistry from Ivan Franko State University of L'viv, Ukraine, researching TGF-beta effects on fibroblast collagen gel contraction
• Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Ukraine's National Academy of Science (2003), developing Streptomyces strains for anticancer drug production

Dr. Dubytska's research examines global virulence regulation through Type Three Secretion Systems, alternative sigma factors, and two-component systems. She investigates how pathogens like Edwardsiella modulate host organelle trafficking and immune responses, with implications for vaccine development and therapeutic interventions against bacterial infections.

Publication analysis reveals consistent interdisciplinary work bridging bacterial genomics, host-pathogen dynamics, and molecular pathogenesis. Her recent output emphasizes aquaculture pathogens and spirochetal diseases, demonstrating technical expertise in genome annotation, effector protein characterization, and virulence gene regulation across diverse bacterial systems.

Key recognition includes:

• National Academy of Science of Ukraine prize for best scientific presentation (2002)

She has mentored undergraduate researchers like Demetrius McAtee (2nd place biology poster competition, 2019) and secured research funding including an LSU/USDA grant as Co-PI and CEIDER support. Her collaborative network spans Ukrainian institutions, New York Medical College, and Louisiana State University.

Dr. Dubytska's laboratory has annotated multiple Edwardsiella genomes and plasmids, contributing to GenBank submissions. She maintains active editorial roles with Advances in Microbiology and BMC Microbiology while advising on microbiological applications textbooks.