Kristi L. Frank

Kristi L. Frank is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) in Bethesda, MD. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences-Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota.

Education:

• 2002: B.S. in Microbiology and Medical Technology, The University of Montana
• 2007: Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences-Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

Dr. Frank's research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, particularly biofilm-associated infections. Her laboratory investigates Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formation, stress responses, and adaptation mechanisms, as well as developing novel methods to treat and prevent biofilm infections in multidrug-resistant bacteria including Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas species. Her work combines animal models with genetic, molecular, and biochemical approaches to understand how bacterial pathogens interact with their hosts in biofilm environments.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm mechanisms, with particular attention to cell surface modifications, lysozyme resistance, and strain heterogeneity. Her research demonstrates how biofilms protect bacteria from host immune defenses and antimicrobial agents, contributing to persistent and difficult-to-treat infections.

Dr. Frank has published extensively in high-impact microbiology journals including Journal of Bacteriology, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, and PLoS Pathogens, with her work contributing significantly to understanding biofilm-mediated infections and potential therapeutic approaches.

Her laboratory work has important implications for treating healthcare-associated infections, particularly those involving medical devices where biofilm formation is a major challenge.