Maghnus O'Seaghdha

Maghnus O'Seaghdha, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Suffolk University. He specializes in understanding bacterial-host interactions with a focus on opportunistic pathogens like Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. His research explores colonization mechanisms, immune evasion strategies, and transition to pathogenic states.

Education:

• PhD in Microbiology, Trinity College
• BA in Natural Sciences, Trinity College
• Postdoctoral training: Boston Children’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School

Research Interests: The lab investigates bacterial survival mechanisms in human tissues, immune system interactions, and virulence factors. Key areas include:

• Extra-nasal colonization dynamics of S. aureus
• Bacterial responses to immune components
• Intracellular survival mechanisms in specific tissues

Awards & Grants:

• CAS Faculty Research Assistance Program Awards (2016–2019)
• Suffolk University Summer Stipend Awards (2017–2019)
• New England Biolabs Course Support Awards (2016–2019)

Committees & Service:

• IP Policy Subcommittee for the University Faculty Handbook (2019–present)
• CAS Faculty Handbook Working Group (2019–present)
• STE Subcommittee (2018–present)

Labs & Teaching: Directs a microbiology research lab and teaches courses including Genetics, Immunology, and Advanced Microbiology at Suffolk University.