Michael Kruppa

Michael Kruppa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at East Tennessee State University's Quillen College of Medicine. His laboratory investigates fungal pathogenesis mechanisms, with emphasis on Candida albicans quorum sensing, morphogenesis regulation, and microbial biofilm interactions. He maintains an active collaboration with Dr. David Williams studying host recognition of fungal glucans.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (2000)
• B.S. in Biology, St. Mary's University (1992)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Georgetown University Medical Center (2000-2005)

Research Focus: Dr. Kruppa's work spans:

• Farnesol-mediated quorum sensing in Candida albicans
• Genetic determinants of fungal morphogenesis
• Structural characterization of fungal cell wall components (glucans, mannans)
• Microbial interspecies communication in biofilms
• Host immune recognition of fungal pathogens
• Development of novel antifungal therapeutics

Collaborations: He maintains active research partnerships with surgical sciences researchers at ETSU and has extensive publication collaborations with national and international scientists in medical mycology.