Mark Forsyth

Dr. Mark Forsyth is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the College of William and Mary, where he has been since 2000. His research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, particularly in Helicobacter pylori, exploring signal transduction pathways, virulence evolution, and microbiome interactions. He holds a B.A. in Zoology from the University of Maine (1982) and a Ph.D. in Pathobiology from the University of Connecticut (1991). Previous roles include Visiting Research Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Visiting Scientist at the University of California-Santa Barbara.

• Education: B.A. Zoology (1982), Ph.D. Pathobiology (1991)
• Affiliations: College of William and Mary, Department of Biology
• Research Interests: Microbiology, bacterial pathogenesis, Helicobacter pylori virulence mechanisms, signal transduction, and phage biology

His research delves into how bacterial pathogens adapt to host environments, with a focus on genetic regulation (e.g., ArsRS two-component systems) and environmental responses like pH and nitric oxide signaling. He has pioneered studies on Helicobacter pylori adhesins, urease regulation, and the role of phages in microbial ecology. His work bridges molecular mechanisms and clinical outcomes, including insights into gastric disease and obesity-related surgical outcomes.

Dr. Forsyth’s publications span 20+ years, emphasizing Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis and phage genomics. He is a recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award (2010), reflecting his commitment to education. His lab participates in collaborative initiatives like the SEA-PHAGES program, fostering undergraduate research in phage discovery.

• Awards: Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award (2010)
• Grants & Funding: Supported by NIH and institutional grants for microbiology research
• Labs/Teams: Phage Genome Research Initiative, Integrated Science Center research groups