Cheryl Okumura

Cheryl Okumura is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Occidental College. She teaches courses such as Public Health Biology, Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology, and Microbial Pathogenesis.

Research Interests: Her work focuses on host-pathogen interactions, particularly how Group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus manipulate human cells. Key areas include:

• Cell biologic responses to bacterial infections
• Molecular and genetic mechanisms of pathogenesis
• Gene regulation and signal transduction in host cells
• Apoptosis and autophagy during infection

Publication Trends: Recent articles emphasize lysosomal dysfunction, oxidative stress evasion, and immune suppression strategies in Group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Contact: Email okumura@oxy.edu or visit her office in Bioscience 108 during office hours.