Tung Hoang

Dr. Tung Hoang is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's School of Life Sciences. His research focuses on bacterial infectious diseases, including vaccine and diagnostic development, functional genomics using single-cell technology, and pathogenesis studies of pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Mycobacterium leprae, and Leptospira species. His lab explores molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial infections, particularly in cystic fibrosis and tropical diseases such as melioidosis and leprosy.

Key research areas include nutrient acquisition by P. aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis lungs, molecular pathogenesis of B. pseudomallei (a CDC Tier 1 bioterrorism agent), and functional genomics of M. leprae isolated directly from leprosy patients. Collaborations with institutions in Vietnam have advanced studies on leprosy diagnostics.

Dr. Hoang’s lab has pioneered genetic tools for Burkholderia species and focuses on translating findings into novel vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics to combat these pathogens.