Thomas M. Krunkosky

Dr. Thomas M. Krunkosky serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences within the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia. His academic credentials include a BS, MS (1988, University of Massachusetts), DVM (1993), and PhD (1999), both from North Carolina State University. Dr. Krunkosky maintains an active research program focused on molecular mechanisms of inflammation and diseases in the lung, particularly examining host-pathogen interactions involving Mycoplasma pneumoniae and airway epithelial responses.

Dr. Krunkosky's research interests center on molecular mechanisms of inflammation and lung diseases, with specific expertise in airway epithelium biology, Mycoplasma pneumoniae pathogenesis, and inflammatory responses to respiratory pathogens. His laboratory employs advanced air-liquid interface culture models of differentiated human airway epithelium to investigate bacterial colonization dynamics, host immune responses, and epithelial barrier function during infection. His work bridges veterinary and human medical research, particularly through comparative studies of respiratory diseases.

Analysis of Dr. Krunkosky's publication record spanning from 1995 to 2024 reveals consistent research in respiratory pathophysiology with increasing focus on bacterial pathogenesis, particularly Mycoplasma pneumoniae. His work demonstrates methodological evolution from basic epithelial cell studies to sophisticated models examining spatial and temporal aspects of infection. The research spans multiple disciplines including microbiology, molecular biology, and respiratory physiology, with applications in both human and veterinary medicine.

Dr. Krunkosky contributes significantly to education as the Course Coordinator for Microscopic Anatomy of Domestic Animals (VARB 5180-5180L; VARB 7180-7180L) and serves as a mentor for the Georgia Veterinary Scholars Program and the CURO Apprentice Program (HONS 4960H). His teaching emphasizes histological understanding of domestic animal systems and provides research opportunities for veterinary and undergraduate students.