Emily Cope

Emily Cope is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and the Pathogen & Microbiome Institute (PMI) at Northern Arizona University. Her research focuses on the role of microbiomes in human health and disease, particularly in chronic inflammatory conditions such as chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as gynecological cancers.

Her research interests span microbiome dynamics, host-microbe interactions, immunology, and translational interventions. She investigates how microbial communities in the sinus, gut, and reproductive tract influence immune responses and disease progression. Her work integrates molecular microbiology, immunology, and public health, with a growing emphasis on the gut-brain axis and microbial metabolites such as GABA.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in studying microbiome-host crosstalk across diverse conditions. Her team explores how microbial dysbiosis contributes to chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and neurodegenerative diseases, often using advanced techniques like stable isotope probing and high-throughput sequencing. There is also a translational focus on dietary interventions, such as soluble fiber, to modulate the microbiome and improve clinical outcomes.

• Principal Investigator, Determining the Role of the Upper and Lower Airway Microbiota as Drivers of Concomitant Inflammatory Responses in patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Asthma
• Principal Investigator, Development of in vivo quantitative stable isotope probing to quantify microbiome dynamics in Alzheimer’s disease
• Principal Investigator, Evaluation of Soluble Fiber as a Strategy to Decrease Asthma Morbidity in Underserved Populations

Dr. Cope leads a research program that bridges basic science and clinical applications, with a commitment to addressing health disparities. Her projects involve extensive collaboration with clinicians, immunologists, and environmental health scientists. She has contributed to over 30 scholarly works and numerous datasets, reflecting a robust and interdisciplinary research portfolio.