Robert A. Cramer Jr

Robert A. Cramer Jr is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, where he serves as Principal Investigator of the Cramer Laboratory. His research program investigates molecular mechanisms of Aspergillus fumigatus pathogenesis using integrated approaches spanning molecular genetics, genomics, immunology, and animal modeling to address critical gaps in treating invasive fungal infections.

• Education: M.S. in Plant Pathology from Colorado State University; Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics under Dr. Christopher Lawrence; Postdoctoral training at Duke University Medical Center with Drs. John Perfect and William Steinbach

Dr. Cramer's research centers on how A. fumigatus adapts to host environments—particularly hypoxic conditions in the mammalian lung—and evades immune responses. His lab pioneered discoveries linking fungal hypoxia responses to virulence, including the role of trehalose metabolism in infection. Current work explores biofilm formation, host-fungal interactions in cystic fibrosis, and developing novel therapeutic strategies for invasive aspergillosis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).

Scientific Recognition:

• Investigator in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Diseases by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (2014)
• Elected Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology (2020)
• Co-Director of the Molecular Mycology Course at Marine Biological Laboratory

Dr. Cramer actively mentors 3 PhD students (Johnson, Kordana, Quinn) and supervises postdoctoral researchers including Jane Jones (ABPA murine models) and Charlie Puerner (biofilm microenvironment). His lab maintains collaborations with clinical teams at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and receives funding from NIH and private foundations focused on translational mycology research. The laboratory emphasizes interdisciplinary training and maintains a strong commitment to diversity in STEM.

The Cramer Laboratory operates within Dartmouth's state-of-the-art research facilities, utilizing advanced microscopy, hypoxia chambers, and immunological assays. Current initiatives include developing A. fumigatus strain libraries, characterizing host immune responses to fungal biofilms, and investigating metabolic adaptations during infection. The lab actively participates in the Molecular Mycology training program and maintains partnerships with pharmaceutical companies developing antifungal therapeutics.