معرفی
Dr. Morgan Milton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. His research program focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of bacterial biofilm formation, particularly in non-Cholera Vibrio species, with the goal of identifying novel targets for antimicrobial therapies.
Dr. Milton earned his B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Georgia Institute of Technology (2009, 2010), followed by a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Iowa State University (2016). He completed postdoctoral training at North Carolina State University, RTI International, and East Carolina University before establishing his independent research program.
His research centers on three main areas: the regulatory mechanism of the SYP pathway in Vibrio biofilm formation, the molecular communication between quorum sensing and biofilm formation pathways, and host/environmental triggers for bacterial pathogenicity. His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining biochemical, biophysical, and microbiological techniques including X-ray crystallography, computational modeling, and protein interaction assays.
Analysis of Dr. Milton's recent publications reveals a strong focus on bacterial two-component regulatory systems, DNA-binding mechanisms of response regulators, and the structural basis of biofilm regulation. His work spans multiple bacterial pathogens including Vibrio species, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Francisella, with particular emphasis on how these organisms regulate virulence through complex signaling networks.
- National Institutes of Health K22 grant (2023-2026): 'Regulatory mechanisms of novel host-relevant biofilm formation protein in non-Cholera Vibrio species'
- Wooten Family Initiative for Brain Health Research Foundation Grant (2023-2024): 'Exploring the putative calbindin-D28k and caspase-3 interaction' (with Dr. Holly Ellis as co-PI)
Dr. Milton actively mentors students and collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions. His lab provides training in structural biology, microbiology, and biochemical techniques, preparing students for careers in academic research and the biotechnology industry. The Milton lab's work has significant implications for developing new approaches to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, particularly as climate change increases the prevalence of Vibrio-related illnesses.
