Blake Billmyre

Blake Billmyre is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine, with a joint appointment in the College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on understanding fungal pathogenesis, particularly in Cryptococcus species, with an emphasis on drug resistance mechanisms and the genetic basis of virulence.

Billmyre’s lab employs high-throughput genetic and genomic approaches, including transposon mutagenesis (TN-seq), to identify genes critical for fungal survival and drug resistance. His work bridges fundamental research (e.g., evolution of virulence in Cryptococcus species) and translational applications (e.g., developing novel antifungal therapies). Recent studies highlight strain-specific virulence differences, SNP-driven adaptation, and the role of meiotic drivers in genetic conflict.

Key research themes include: fungal pathogen evolution, antifungal drug resistance pathways, and the application of genomic tools to study Cryptococcus neoformans and related species. His publications span topics like calcineurin inhibitors, DNA damage repair networks, and the impact of mating phenotypes on genetic drivers in fission yeast.

While no formal awards are listed, his work has contributed to major advances in understanding Cryptococcal biology and antifungal resistance. Collaborations with pharmaceutical and veterinary fields reflect his dual academic roles. His lab’s TN-seq platform remains a cornerstone of his research strategy.