Laura Miller Conrad

Laura Miller Conrad is a researcher in the Department of Chemistry at San José State University's College of Science, where she leads a research program focused on combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, particularly those caused by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Her work is supported by the National Institutes of Health and involves interdisciplinary collaboration with students from chemistry, biology, and engineering disciplines.

Her research interests lie at the intersection of organic chemistry and microbiology, with a focus on developing small molecules that enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics like colistin. By identifying compounds that increase bacterial susceptibility, her lab aims to extend the clinical utility of last-resort antibiotics and develop novel therapeutics for hospital-acquired infections.

Dr. Miller Conrad mentors undergraduate and master’s students in synthetic chemistry, microbiological assays, and kinetic studies, providing hands-on research training that bridges academic coursework with real-world scientific inquiry. Her long-term goal is to translate these findings into clinical applications that save lives.

She is actively engaged in funded research through the SJSU Research Foundation, with current projects sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Her lab fosters a collaborative environment where students contribute meaningfully to the scientific process.