Matt Barber

Matt Barber is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Oregon. His research focuses on the molecular evolution of host-microbe interactions and bacterial pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on evolutionary arms races between pathogens and hosts.

• University of Oregon, Department of Biology
• Specializes in Ecology & Evolution, Molecular Biology & Genetics

Research Overview: Dr. Barber investigates how bacterial pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus adapt to host environments through mechanisms such as potassium transport modulation, fatty acid modification, and receptor domain shuffling. His work spans evolutionary conflict dynamics, host immune evasion strategies, and microbial iron piracy.

Publication Trends: Recent studies highlight bacterial adaptation to skin microbiota (2023-2025), evolutionary constraints in host-pathogen interactions (2020-2022), and molecular mechanisms of immune detection (2017-2020). Key areas include antimicrobial discovery, transcriptional regulation, and lipid antigen presentation.

Contact: mfbarber@uoregon.edu