Jon Blevins

Jon Blevins is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). He serves as Interim Chair of his department and Director of the UAMS DNA Sequencing Core. Additionally, he chairs the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
• Postdoctoral research at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Research Interests: Dr. Blevins investigates the pathogenesis and transmission of Borrelia species, including Lyme disease and relapsing fever spirochetes. His work focuses on gene expression regulation in these pathogens across tick and mammalian hosts, using genetic manipulation to identify virulence factors. Key areas include tick colonization, host infection mechanisms, and development of diagnostic/therapeutic targets.

Publications: His recent articles explore molecular genetics of Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia turicatae, emphasizing gene function, signal transduction, and environmental adaptation during the enzootic cycle.

Students: Current and former advisees include researchers studying tick-borne pathogens at UAMS and affiliated institutions.

Labs & Teams: Dr. Blevins leads the UAMS DNA Sequencing Core and collaborates with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and Arkansas Tick-Borne Pathogen Surveillance Program.