Tao Dong

Dr. Tao Dong is a full professor in the School of Life Sciences and Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China. His academic journey includes a BSc from Shandong University (1999-2003) and a PhD from McMaster University (2004-2010), followed by postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School under John Mekalanos, where he received the Banting Fellowship. Prior to joining SUSTech, he served as an assistant professor at the University of Calgary (2013-2021), achieving tenure and promotion to full professor.

• Education: BSc (Shandong University, 2003), PhD (McMaster University, 2010)
• Institutional Affiliation: Southern University of Science and Technology (2021-present)

Dr. Dong’s research centers on bacterial survival mechanisms in diverse environments, focusing on protein secretion systems in host-pathogen interactions. His work addresses molecular adaptation, novel antimicrobial discovery, and the functional dynamics of secretion systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) regulation, effector delivery mechanisms, and stress responses, spanning journals like mBio, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., and Nat. Microbiol..

• Scientific Awards: Banting Fellowship, Canada Research Chair Tier 2

Dr. Dong actively mentors postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, offering internationally competitive fellowships. His lab explores host-microbe interactions through experimental models like CRISPR/Cas9 editing and transgenic mice. He contributes to academic discourse via teaching courses such as Advanced Microbiology and Introduction to Biological Sciences.