Kangmin Duan

Kangmin Duan, PhD, is a Professor at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and cross-appointed to the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. He serves as a scientist at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) and a principal investigator in the Manitoba Chemosensory Biology Research Group (MCSB).

Education:

• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Calgary
• Doctor of Philosophy, University of New South Wales
• Master of Applied Science, University of New South Wales
• Master of Science, Northwest University (China)
• Doctor of Philosophy, Northwest University (China)

Dr. Duan's research program focuses on bacterial pathogenicity, oral microbiome, antimicrobial drug resistance, and host-microbe interactions. His work explores how pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans cause infectious diseases, interact within microbial communities, and develop resistance to antimicrobial agents. He integrates genetics, biochemistry, and multi-omics to investigate virulence systems like Type III and VI secretion, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation.

Recent publications highlight trends in targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence through bitter taste receptor modulation, quorum sensing inhibition, and herbal compounds. His lab specializes in antimicrobial discovery, focusing on host-microbe interactions and cross-kingdom communication in polymicrobial environments.

Teaching and Mentorship: Dr. Duan actively mentors graduate students, emphasizing rigorous, discovery-driven research. Ideal candidates possess motivation, logical thinking, and a background in biological sciences.

Laboratory: Located at the Bannatyne Campus, Room D35B, the Duan Lab combines molecular microbiology and biotechnology to combat infectious diseases through novel chemical agents and therapeutic strategies.