Mark Eppinger

Mark Eppinger, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), within the College of Sciences. His research is centered on microbial genomics and bioinformatics, with a focus on understanding infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens such as Yersinia pestis, Vibrio cholerae, and Escherichia coli O157:H7.

• Department: Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• School: College of Sciences
• University: The University of Texas at San Antonio
• Email: Mark.Eppinger@utsa.edu
• Phone: 210-458-6276
• Lab: BSE 3.404

Dr. Eppinger earned his Ph.D. in Microbial Genetics from the Max-Planck Institute for Developmental Biology and the University of Tübingen, Germany, and a B.S. in Biology from the same institution.

• Ph.D. in Microbial Genetics, Max-Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, University of Tübingen
• B.S. in Biology, University of Tübingen

His research program applies microbial genomics and bioinformatics to investigate the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of bacterial pathogens. He focuses on phylogenomics, genome plasticity, virulence determinants, and host-pathogen interactions. His lab generates genomic data to understand how genetic variation influences transmissibility, infectivity, and disease outcomes in major public health threats.

The available publications reflect a consistent focus on the genomics of foodborne and epidemic bacterial pathogens. Both book chapters deal with the genomic analysis of Escherichia coli and Yersinia, emphasizing evolutionary patterns, virulence mechanisms, and molecular epidemiology. These works highlight his expertise in integrating genomic data with public health applications.

Dr. Eppinger has mentored a wide range of students, including doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, master's students, and undergraduates. His lab has hosted international exchange students and Fulbright Fellows, indicating a collaborative and globally engaged research environment.

He leads the Eppinger Lab at UTSA, which is part of the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID). The lab conducts cutting-edge genomic research on emerging pathogens and contributes to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to reduce human morbidity.