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James B. Kaper is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He serves as Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and previously held leadership roles as Senior Associate Dean (2014–2019) and Chair (2007–present). His research focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae , including vaccine development and bacterial-host interactions. Education: BS (1973) and PhD (1979) in Microbiology from University of Maryland; Postdoc in Molecular Pathogenesis at University of Washington (1979–1981) Dr. Kaper’s work has led to the creation of live attenuated cholera vaccines, including CVD 103-HgR, the first licensed recombinant bacterial vaccine. His lab investigates bacterial genetics, intestinal colonization, and immune system activation, particularly TLR5 response to V. cholerae flagellin. He has authored 303 peer-reviewed articles and 68 book chapters. His research has been funded continuously by NIAID since 1982. Key publications include foundational work on V. cholerae vaccines (1984), genomic structure (1998), and quorum sensing in EHEC/EPEC (1999). His lab’s recent studies focus on phosphotyrosine proteomics (2013) and pathogenicity island regulation (2007). Scientific awards: Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology (1994); NIH Merit Award (2004); ASM DC White Award (2019) Editorial roles: Editor-in-Chief, EcoSal (2006–present); Associate Editor, International Journal of Medical Microbiology (2000–present) As an academic leader, Dr. Kaper has mentored over 60 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. He holds multiple patents for cholera vaccines and E. coli diagnostics, including U.S. Patents 4,935,364; 5,399,494; and 6,204,004. His lab at UMSOM combines basic science with translational applications for enteric disease prevention.

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Bacterial Vaccines
• +5 more

Chiu Ping Cheng is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota, USA, specializing in Molecular Biology and Plant-Microbe Interactions . With over two decades of research on Ralstonia solanacearum and its interactions with solanaceous crops, Dr. Cheng has pioneered studies on plant defense mechanisms against bacterial wilt, regulatory gene functions, and biocontrol agent applications. Current research: Plant-pathogen interactions Special techniques: Genomic screening, bacteriophage-derived proteins Key pathogens: Ralstonia solanacearum, Pectobacterium carotovorum His recent publications (2024) explore tomato cultivar resistance variation , NADPH oxidase-effector interactions , and phenylpropanoid metabolism in wild mungbean . Though no formal scientific awards are listed, his work has been featured in leading journals like Plant Cell & Environment and New Phytologist . Dr. Cheng operates from the Life Science Building R942 laboratory.

• Molecular Biology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +5 more

Maria Fällman is a Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, where she also serves as Deputy Head of Department. She is affiliated with Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), a leading research center for molecular infection medicine in Sweden. Dr. Fällman's research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind bacterial adaptation to different environments, with particular emphasis on Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium. Her group investigates gene regulation critical for establishing and maintaining infections, bacterial stress responses, and the molecular mechanisms of the Type Three Secretion System (T3SS). The lab has developed advanced methods for RNA extraction from complex tissue samples and performs in vivo gene expression analyses. Her publication record shows consistent contributions to understanding bacterial pathogenesis, with recent articles in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Science, and PLOS Pathogens. Her work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms of bacterial virulence to computational approaches for analyzing pathogen stress responses. A significant contribution is the PATHOgenex database (http://www.pathogenex.org), containing gene expression data of over 30 human pathogens exposed to different stress conditions. Dr. Fällman leads the Maria Fällman Lab, which has made important discoveries including the finding that sub-lethal doses of Yersinia result in persistent infection in mice with reprogramming of bacterial gene expression. Current projects focus on stress response modeling and deciphering heterogeneous populations of infecting bacteria using single-cell RNA-seq.

• Molecular microbiology
• Bacterial pathogenesis
• Infection biology
• +7 more

Dr. John Rohde is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis, particularly how Shigella spp. exploits host cell systems. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of British Columbia and completed postdoctoral training at Duke University, Institut Pasteur, and Mount Sinai Hospital's Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute. His lab develops genetic tools to study bacterial virulence at systems levels. Education: BS/MS in Bacteriology (University of Idaho), PhD in Biochemistry (UBC) Research Interests: Shigella pathogenesis, ubiquitin ligases, type III secretion systems Recent work includes studies on Shigella's manipulation of host actin via RACK1 and the role of ubiquitin in pathogen survival. He collaborates internationally on projects combining proteomics and immunology to uncover antimicrobial defense mechanisms.

• Bacteriology
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Inflammation
• +4 more

Dr. Vianney Pichereau is a University Professor at the LEMAR Laboratory (Laboratoire d'Excellence Mer) within the University of Western Brittany. His research focuses on environmental impacts on marine organisms, integrating proteomics, omics approaches, and microbiology to assess ecosystem health. Key projects include studies on Vibrio-bivalve interactions, brown ring disease, and the effects of climate change and pollution on estuarine species. He leads investigations into stress responses in marine organisms such as flounder, scallops, and oysters, using cutting-edge techniques like proteomics and transcriptomics. His work addresses urgent issues like eutrophication, industrial accidents, and ocean acidification, with applications in biomonitoring and aquaculture. Dr. Pichereau collaborates on interdisciplinary projects including CLIMCLAM, IRP CORRIENTE, and VIVALDI, focusing on coastal ecosystem resilience. His lab employs cell culture models to study bivalve pathogens and has pioneered biomarker approaches for chemical risk assessment in heavily polluted environments like the Seine estuary.

• Environmental Science
• Marine Biology
• Proteomics
• +3 more

Ingeborg Schmidt-Krey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on the structure and function of eukaryotic membrane proteins, which are critical drug targets in biomedical research. She utilizes electron crystallography, cryo-EM, and 2D crystallization techniques to advance structural studies of these proteins. Education: B.S. in Biochemistry from Mississippi State University (1991) Ph.D. in Biophysics and Structural Biology from Karolinska Institute (1999) Research Interests: Ingeborg Schmidt-Krey investigates eukaryotic membrane proteins, particularly their structural determination via electron crystallography. Her work includes developing screening methods for 2D crystallization and improving cryo-EM data collection. Recent articles highlight advancements in nanodisc-reconstitution, lipid-dependent oligomerization studies, and refined sample preparation techniques like the Peel-Blot method. Scientific Awards: German Research Foundation Young Investigator Class of 1969 Teaching Fellow EMBO/EMBL/CERN Women in Science Ambassador EMBO long-term fellow Her laboratory’s efforts are directed toward understanding the biophysics of membrane proteins and their role in diseases such as inflammation and cancer.

• Structure & function of eukaryotic membrane proteins
• membrane protein complexes
• biophysics
• +6 more

Yan Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry at the University of Michigan Medical School, where they lead pioneering research on CRISPR gene editing systems. Their laboratory focuses on developing and refining CRISPR-based genome editing tools, with particular emphasis on Type I CRISPR systems and the Cas3 nuclease. Dr. Zhang's research interests center on molecular mechanisms of CRISPR systems, particularly the development of compact CRISPR-Cas3 platforms for therapeutic applications. Their work has significantly advanced the understanding of how CRISPR systems can be engineered for precise genome editing, with implications for treating genetic diseases, cancer, and developing novel biotechnological tools. They have made key contributions to understanding off-switch mechanisms for CRISPR-Cas3, enabling safer and more controlled genome editing applications. Analysis of Dr. Zhang's publication record reveals a strong focus on translating basic CRISPR research into practical applications. Their work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms of CRISPR systems to therapeutic applications in human cells, with particular emphasis on developing compact CRISPR systems that can make large DNA deletions. This research trajectory demonstrates a clear progression from basic science to translational applications, with increasing focus on therapeutic relevance in recent years. Significant media coverage across 29+ news outlets for CRISPR-Cas3 research Highlighted in Faculty Opinions Research Multiple high-impact publications in Molecular Cell, Frontiers in Microbiology, and other prestigious journals Dr. Zhang actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with notable advisees including Renke Tan (who completed PhD work on CRISPR-Cas3 systems) and Zhonggang Hou. Their research has been supported by multiple grants at the University of Michigan, resulting in 34 publications and 10 patents. The Zhang laboratory collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines, including microbiologists, biochemists, and medical researchers, to advance CRISPR technology for biomedical applications. The Zhang laboratory is at the forefront of CRISPR-Cas3 research, working to develop safer and more efficient genome editing tools. Their current work focuses on refining off-switch mechanisms for CRISPR systems and developing applications for cancer treatment and genetic disease correction. The lab maintains strong collaborations with other research groups at the University of Michigan and beyond, forming a vibrant research community focused on advancing genome editing technology.

• CRISPR Gene Editing
• Genome Engineering
• Molecular Biology
• +4 more

Jeff Anderson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University (OSU), affiliated with the College of Agricultural Sciences. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and plant disease resistance, particularly the inter-kingdom chemical signaling between Pseudomonas syringae and Arabidopsis . He investigates how bacterial pathogens use plant-derived metabolites to activate virulence and how plants activate immune responses. His lab employs genetic, biochemical, and omics approaches to study host-pathogen interactions. Anderson holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University (2006). He teaches courses in biology and functional genomics, including BI221 and BDS478/578. His research has been supported by grants such as the NSF CAREER award (2020), which funds studies on plant-pathogen metabolic interfaces. He has mentored multiple students, including PhD candidate Dylan Gregory and undergraduates Sarah Khan, Grace Norman, and Gustavo Velazquez. Key research trends in his articles include host-derived metabolite signaling, plant immune activation via pattern-triggered immunity, and bacterial virulence regulation. He has also explored the role of proline depletion in plant defense and the molecular mechanisms of thiamin priming in crop protection. Awards: 2025 R.M. Wade Award for Excellence in Teaching 2025 Registry of Distinguished Teachers 2021 Savery Outstanding Young Faculty Award 2020 NSF CAREER Award Anderson leads a research group that emphasizes translational outcomes in plant disease management. His work on metabolite signaling and host-pathogen interactions has implications for developing crop protection strategies against bacterial pathogens.

• Molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis
• Plant disease resistance
• Inter-Kingdom chemical signaling between bacteria and plants
• +4 more

Sheng Yang He is the Benjamin E. Powell Distinguished Professor of Biology at Duke University, with joint appointments in Cell Biology. He leads the He Lab, focusing on molecular mechanisms of plant immunity against microbial pathogens, particularly the interplay between host-microbe interactions and environmental factors like climate change. His research bridges plant pathology, microbiology, and systems biology. Education: PhD in Plant Pathology from Cornell University (1991), followed by faculty roles at the University of Kentucky and Michigan State University (1995–2020) before joining Duke in 2020. He is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (2011–2024) and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (2015). Research Interests: Host defense mechanisms, bacterial effector proteins, stomatal immunity, microbiome dynamics, and climate resilience in crops. Recent work addresses how temperature and humidity influence plant-pathogen interactions and microbiome composition. Grants & Awards: Received HHMI funding renewal (2024–2031), Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2021–2024), and recognition for pioneering studies on Pseudomonas syringae pathogenesis and Arabidopsis immunity. His lab has produced over 200 peer-reviewed articles. Advising & Mentoring: Guided over 20 PhD students and postdocs, many of whom now lead academic or industrial research groups. Notable advisees include Brad Paasch (Sandia National Labs), Jonghum Kim (POSTECH), and Li Zhang (Soochow University). Labs & Teams: The He Lab at Duke collaborates with institutions globally, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to combat crop diseases. Current projects include engineering climate-resilient plant immunity and microbiome-based disease prevention strategies.

• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Plant Immunity
• +3 more

Sheng-Yang He is the Benjamin E. Powell Distinguished Professor of Biology at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, holding concurrent appointments in Cell Biology (Basic Science Departments) since 2022. Previously, he served at Michigan State University from 1995, including roles as University Distinguished Professor (2013–2020) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (2011–2024). He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Cornell University in 1991. His research focuses on host-microbe interactions, particularly plant immunity against pathogens like Pseudomonas syringae and the impact of climate change on disease dynamics. Key interests include microbiome regulation, bacterial effector proteins, and plant defense mechanisms in Arabidopsis and agricultural crops. His lab explores strategies to enhance plant resilience through understanding co-evolutionary processes. Recent work highlights discoveries in postharvest fruit immunity, pathogen-induced membrane channels, and microbiome roles in autoimmune responses. He has secured major grants from NIH and USDA, including a $1.9M NIH award studying bacterial pathogenesis mechanisms. Awarded membership in the National Academy of Sciences (2015) and AAAS Fellow (2012), He has mentored numerous students through courses like BIOLOGY 531S (Interplay Between Plants and Climate Change) and advises on training programs like the Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology Training Program. His lab maintains an active presence in both academic and applied plant science communities.

• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Plant Immunity
• Climate Change Impact on Disease
• +3 more

Suzanne M.J. Fleiszig is a Professor of Optometry and Vision Science at the School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis of corneal infections, particularly examining how contact lens wear increases susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. She holds joint appointments in Infectious Diseases & Immunity and Microbiology. Key research areas include: Microbial interactions with the ocular surface Corneal defense mechanisms Tear film antimicrobial components Contact lens-related infection pathogenesis Bacterial virulence factors Development of therapeutic prevention strategies Publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection dynamics, with recurring themes in epithelial cell biology, surfactant proteins, and molecular mechanisms of bacterial invasion. Awards include the Glenn A. Fry Award Lecture (2005) and recognition for discovering keratin-derived antimicrobial peptides.

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Infectious Disease
• +6 more

Dr. Mike Wilton is an Associate Teaching Professor and Associate Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), within the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. He holds a BS in Biology from Queen's University and a PhD in Cell and Systems Biology from the University of Toronto. His postdoctoral work at the University of Calgary focused on bacterial virulence strategies in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. His research spans two key areas: microbiology (bacterial pathogenesis and host immune interactions) and biology education, emphasizing peer mentorship and active learning. He investigates how educational interventions like structured curricula and peer mentorship impact student success, retention, and identity formation in STEM fields. Notably, his work has shown that peer-mentored programs improve academic performance and persistence, particularly for underrepresented groups. Dr. Wilton’s microbiology publications explore mechanisms by which bacteria evade immune responses, including studies on Pseudomonas aeruginosa’s defense against neutrophil extracellular traps and type VI secretion systems. His educational research has informed scalable interventions to enhance inclusivity and diversity in undergraduate STEM education. His advising and grants focus on implementing evidence-based practices to foster student engagement and equity. Collaborations extend to interdisciplinary teams in both microbiology and education research, though specific grant details are not detailed here.

• Biology Education Research
• Microbiology
• Immunology
• +3 more

Matthias Horn is a University Professor at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science of the University of Vienna, specializing in microbial symbioses and intracellular bacteria. He leads the Division of Microbial Ecology and investigates symbionts of amoebae, arthropods, and marine organisms, with a focus on genome evolution and host-pathogen interactions. Research Interests: Microbial symbioses (protozoa, insects) Evolution of intracellular bacteria Microbial genome evolution Host-eukaryote interactions Recent Publications explore chlamydiae adaptation, giant virus-host codon mismatches, and symbionts in corals and dinoflagellates. His work is supported by the Austrian Science Fund Cluster of Excellence Microbiomes Drive Planetary Health and previously by the ERC and FWF. Awards: FWF START Award (2005) ERC Starting Grant (2011) Teaching includes courses on molecular microbial ecology, symbiosis, and advanced techniques like FISH. His team comprises postdocs, PhD candidates, and technicians studying microbial interactions.

• Microbial Symbioses
• Bacterial Symbionts of Protozoa and Insects
• Evolution of Intracellular Bacteria
• +2 more

Tracy Rosebrock serves as Assistant Professor of Biology at Stonehill College, where she was honored with the 2022 Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her teaching excellence is characterized by compassionate mentorship, challenging yet supportive pedagogy, and an open-door policy that has made her a trusted advisor. Students consistently praise her ability to simplify complex biological concepts while inspiring academic excellence and fostering a positive learning environment. Professor Rosebrock's research spans two critical areas of pathogen-host interactions: tuberculosis immunology and plant-microbe dynamics. Her tuberculosis work investigates macrophage signaling pathways, antibiotic resistance mechanisms in mycobacteria, and antibody-mediated immune responses. In plant pathology, she examines ubiquitin-mediated immune regulation, bacterial effector proteins that suppress host defenses, and viral disease emergence. This dual focus demonstrates her interdisciplinary approach to understanding fundamental biological defense mechanisms across kingdoms. Her publication record from 2002-2019 reveals consistent contributions to understanding host-pathogen conflicts, with recent work emphasizing immune signaling in tuberculosis control and ubiquitin pathways in plant immunity. These research trajectories highlight her commitment to addressing both human health challenges and agricultural security through molecular investigation. Scientific Recognition: Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching (2022) - Stonehill College's highest teaching honor, awarded for transformative student impact and pedagogical excellence As an academic advisor, Professor Rosebrock maintains an exceptionally supportive relationship with students, described as "a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a mentor." Her teaching philosophy integrates Aristotle's principle that "educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all," creating classrooms where students feel empowered to reach their highest potential. While specific research grants aren't detailed in available materials, her sustained publication output indicates active research programs in microbiological and plant pathological systems.

• Microbiology
• Plant Pathology
• Immunology
• +4 more

Kangmin Duan, PhD, is a Professor at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and cross-appointed to the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. He serves as a scientist at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) and a principal investigator in the Manitoba Chemosensory Biology Research Group (MCSB). Education: Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Calgary Doctor of Philosophy, University of New South Wales Master of Applied Science, University of New South Wales Master of Science, Northwest University (China) Doctor of Philosophy, Northwest University (China) Dr. Duan's research program focuses on bacterial pathogenicity, oral microbiome, antimicrobial drug resistance, and host-microbe interactions. His work explores how pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans cause infectious diseases, interact within microbial communities, and develop resistance to antimicrobial agents. He integrates genetics, biochemistry, and multi-omics to investigate virulence systems like Type III and VI secretion, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation. Recent publications highlight trends in targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence through bitter taste receptor modulation, quorum sensing inhibition, and herbal compounds. His lab specializes in antimicrobial discovery, focusing on host-microbe interactions and cross-kingdom communication in polymicrobial environments. Teaching and Mentorship: Dr. Duan actively mentors graduate students, emphasizing rigorous, discovery-driven research. Ideal candidates possess motivation, logical thinking, and a background in biological sciences. Laboratory: Located at the Bannatyne Campus, Room D35B, the Duan Lab combines molecular microbiology and biotechnology to combat infectious diseases through novel chemical agents and therapeutic strategies.

• Bacterial pathogenicity
• Antimicrobial drug resistance
• Host-microbe interactions
• +6 more