Deborah Court

Deborah Court is a Professor and Department Head of Microbiology at the University of Manitoba, leading the Court Lab focused on fungal mitochondrial proteins. Her research explores mitochondrial membrane proteins, including VDAC (voltage-dependent anion channel) structure-function relationships and antibiotic transport mechanisms. She collaborates extensively with Dr. Sabine Kuss (Chemistry) and Dr. Steven Theriault (Cytophage Research).

Education: PhD in Microbiology (University of Guelph), BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry/Biology (University of Regina). Current research projects include mitochondrial inner membrane transporters, VDAC-hexokinase interactions, and bacteriophage-based vaccines. Funded by NSERC, MITACS, and University of Manitoba grants.

Teaching focuses on molecular genetics and immunology, earning awards such as the 2020 UManitoba Merit Award and multiple Golden Apple awards (2011-2023). Advises graduate students in MSc/PhD programs and undergraduate researchers, with a focus on proteomics, transcriptomics, and phage engineering.

• Lab Highlights: Court Lab has pioneered fungal mitochondrial studies over 27 years, producing >50 publications.
• Key Collaborations: Interdisciplinary work with Chemistry and Virology departments.
• Student Support: Supervised 15+ students with awards like UMGF, FGS scholarships, and Mitacs grants.

Recent projects investigate mitochondrial efflux pumps and antibiotic resistance mechanisms, with applications in combating fungal infections and developing novel antimicrobial strategies.