Robert Akins

Robert Akins is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He serves as Director of the BMI/BMB MS Program and has active research projects in microbiomics, fungal exosomes, molecular diagnostics, and antifungal resistance.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Ohio State University (1982)

Research Focus:

• Vaginal microbiome dynamics in health and disease progression
• Characterization of fungal exosomes as diagnostic and therapeutic targets
• Development of molecular diagnostics for fungal infections
• Mechanisms of antifungal resistance in Candida albicans
• Role of mitochondrial stress responses in drug tolerance

Publication Trends: Dr. Akins' recent work examines microbial interactions in bacterial vaginosis, exosome-mediated fungal pathogenesis, and molecular diagnostics development. Earlier research focused on mitochondrial genetics in Neurospora crassa and Candida drug resistance mechanisms.

Teaching: Courses include Core Concepts in Technologies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB7030), Advanced Molecular Biology (BMB7330/IBS7330), and specialized training in molecular techniques.

Laboratory: Located in 234 Lande Research, his lab integrates molecular biology, microbiomics, and clinical translational research with active projects in vaginal microbiome dynamics and antifungal therapy development.