Michael McConnell

Michael McConnell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, College of Science. His research centers on antibiotic resistance and vaccine development, with a focus on critical priority pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

His research interests include:

• Antibiotic Resistance
• Vaccine Development
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Molecular Mechanisms of Infection
• Therapeutic Target Identification
• Gram-negative Bacteria

McConnell's work combines molecular biology, genomics (e.g., RNA-seq), and in vivo infection models to identify bacterial factors for vaccine and drug development. His lab explores platforms such as outer membrane vesicles, nucleic acid vaccines, and multi-antigen constructs. Recent publications show a strong emphasis on combating multidrug-resistant infections, leveraging iron metabolism pathways, and applying systems biology to vaccine design.

His recent publications span high-impact journals in microbiology and immunology, showing consistent output in vaccine strategies and resistance mechanisms. Trends include targeting bacterial surface components (porins, siderophores), modulating gene expression under subinhibitory antibiotics, and exploring synergistic therapies involving gallium and iron chelators.

While no specific awards are listed in the text, his publication record in journals such as FEMS Microbiology Reviews and Frontiers in Immunology suggests recognition in the field.

McConnell is actively involved in mentoring undergraduate students through research-integrated teaching in genetics and anatomy. He draws from his research to provide authentic lab experiences. There is no mention of formal grants or advising of graduate students in the provided text.

His lab focuses on molecular pathogenesis and vaccine development, using genetic, proteomic, and computational tools to identify and validate vaccine antigens. The team employs murine models for preclinical validation of vaccine candidates.