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Sarah Connolly is Professor and Chair of Health Sciences at DePaul University's College of Science and Health. She maintains a dual appointment in Health Sciences and Biological Sciences as a full-time faculty member with office location in McGowan South 411G. Dr. Connolly teaches multiple courses including Microbiology (BIO 210), General Biology I (BIO 191), Human Pathogens and Defense (HLTH 194), and Molecular Virology (HLTH 320).
Dr. Connolly's research program focuses on the molecular mechanisms of herpesvirus entry into host cells. Her laboratory specifically investigates how viral surface proteins interact with each other and cellular factors to trigger membrane fusion during the initial infection stage. The Connolly lab employs molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, and protein biochemistry approaches to study herpes simplex virus type 1 as a model system. Their work aims to understand how viral fusion proteins physically refold to force membrane merger.
Analysis of Dr. Connolly's publications reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on herpesvirus entry mechanisms, particularly examining glycoprotein interactions (gB, gH, gL, gD) and their roles in membrane fusion. Her work spans structural biology, mutational analysis, and functional characterization of viral entry proteins, contributing significantly to understanding alphaherpesvirus entry pathways.
Dr. Connolly actively leads the Connolly Lab Group, which maintains a dedicated website outlining their research on "THE MOLECULAR DETAILS OF VIRUS ENTRY INTO CELLS" using virology, cell & molecular biology, and protein biochemistry approaches. The lab investigates fundamental questions about viral protein shape changes, interactions during entry, and membrane fusion mechanisms.
