Paula McCourt

Paula McCourt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Drexel University, Philadelphia, specializing in fungal pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.

Education

• PhD, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
• BA in Biology, Holy Family College, Philadelphia, PA

Research Focus

Her laboratory investigates Candida albicans virulence through lipid transporter proteins like Arv1, sphingolipid metabolism, and endocytosis regulation. She develops Arv1 inhibitors to combat fungal infections and utilizes fluorescent microscopy, plasmid design, and specialized cell cultures. Additional work includes viral bioprocess development via baculovirus expression systems in insect cell cultures.

Professional Leadership

• Constructed BSL-2/3-equivalent laboratories for pathogenic microbiology and mammalian cell cultures
• Led development of human genetic diagnostic panels for fungal mycoses at Medical Diagnostic Laboratories/Venenum
• Mentors students in biotechnological sciences and molecular techniques