Robert K. Ernst

Robert K. Ernst, PhD is a distinguished Professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, serving as Chair of the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis. He holds secondary appointments in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is a UMB Distinguished University Professor. As Co-Director of the Spatial Systems Biology Laboratory (SSBL), he leads advanced 'omics imaging research for pathogen analysis at BSL-2/3 containment levels.

• PhD in Microbiology, University of Virginia
• Postdoctoral training at University of Washington (Medicine/Microbiology) and University of Virginia (Retrovirus Research)

His groundbreaking research investigates bacterial lipid modifications' molecular basis and their impact on host immune evasion. He has developed:

• Novel lipidomic diagnostic methods for pathogen identification from clinical fluids
• TLR4 agonist vaccine adjuvants
• Machine learning-based microbial identification from mass spectra
• Chesapeake Bay microbial surveillance systems integrating lipidomics and metagenomics

Current NIH-funded projects explore:

• Colistin resistance mechanisms in Gram-negative pathogens
• BECC470 adjuvant development for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines
• Antibiotic adjuvants for Gram-negative bacteria
• Lipid-based diagnostics for chronic pain and Alzheimer's research

Scientific Awards:

• 2021 Regents Award for Research Excellence
• 2019 University of Maryland Entrepreneur of the Year
• 2018 PhD Student Mentor Award
• Multiple Maryland-John Hopkins Alliance Ventures awards
• 2006 Fialkow Scholar Award

Dr. Ernst's work spans bacterial pathogenesis, vaccine development, and clinical diagnostics, with significant translational impact through commercialization efforts.