C. difficile Infection Professors and Supervisors

Matthew S. Simonمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار بالینی

Weill Cornell MedicineUnited States

Matthew S. Simon, M.D., M.S. is a Clinical Associate Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College , affiliated with the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Department of Population Health Sciences . He serves as the Chief Hospital Epidemiologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell and Deputy Medical Director for Infection Prevention & Control at NewYork-Presbyterian. Education: M.Sc. (Weill Cornell, 2013), M.D. (Albert Einstein College, 2006), B.A. (University of Pennsylvania, 2002) Certifications: Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases (American Board of Internal Medicine) Dr. Simon’s research focuses on healthcare-associated infections , antimicrobial stewardship , and cost-effectiveness analysis of infectious disease interventions. His recent work explores SARS-CoV-2 viral load dynamics, device-associated infections, and machine learning applications in antimicrobial resistance prediction. Key awards include the Faculty Excellence Award (2025) and Infectious Diseases Society of America Fellowship (2023). His publications span topics including procalcitonin diagnostics , C. difficile prevention , and environmental disinfection . Leadership Roles: Former Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program Director (2020-2024), Physician Leader for Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at NYP Hospital Expertise: Infection prevention, antimicrobial policy, clinical epidemiology

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Zachary Waldripمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس

University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesUnited States

Zachary Waldrip, Ph.D. serves as an Instructor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). His academic appointment falls within the College of Medicine, where he conducts research focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches for gastrointestinal diseases. Dr. Waldrip's research program centers on the development of modified probiotic organisms to address enteric diseases caused by toxic microorganisms such as E. coli and C. difficile . His laboratory investigates how beneficial gut microbes can be safely engineered to express proteins like antibodies capable of neutralizing harmful pathogens or their toxins. This research has particular relevance for vulnerable populations including children and the elderly, for whom these infections can be especially dangerous or fatal. His laboratory employs various techniques including cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular cloning, and biochemical and proteomic assays to advance this work. Dr. Waldrip's innovative approach aims to develop cost-effective, shelf-stable probiotic treatments for enteric diseases that currently lack adequate therapeutic options. His work bridges microbiology, immunology, and translational medicine with potential applications in pediatric care.

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Jason Yamakiمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

Chapman UniversityUnited States

Dr. Jason Yamaki is an Associate Professor at the Chapman University School of Pharmacy, specializing in Infectious Diseases and antibiotic resistance. His research integrates molecular and pharmacological approaches to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens, particularly Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridioides difficile . He holds a Ph.D. and PharmD from the University of Southern California and a B.S. in Microbiology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Education: B.Sc. in Microbiology (2005), California State University, Dominguez Hills PharmD (2009), University of Southern California Ph.D. (2013), University of Southern California His research explores the interplay between bacterial virulence, host response, and antibiotic dosing strategies. Recent studies focus on iron overload's impact on C. difficile toxin production and metronidazole resistance, with findings suggesting iron chelation as a novel therapeutic strategy. He has contributed to clinical studies on antibiotic stewardship and outcomes in Gram-negative infections. Scientific Awards: Awarded a highly competitive Clinical & Translational Science Institute pilot grant (University of Southern California) Recipent of Chapman University Faculty Opportunity Grant #1325 His work spans in-vitro and in-vivo infection models, clinical trials, and epidemiological analyses. Current projects aim to expand therapeutic interventions against multidrug-resistant organisms beyond MRSA.

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Muhammad Morshedمشاهده پروفایل

استاد بالینی

University of British ColumbiaCanada

Muhammad Morshed is a Clinical Professor in the UBC Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Program Head of Zoonotic Diseases, Emerging Pathogens & Parasitology at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) Laboratory. His work bridges clinical microbiology, infectious disease surveillance, and pathogen discovery. PhD in Medical Sciences (Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1994) Specialty training at Research Institute of Tuberculosis (Tokyo) and UC Berkeley

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Kumar Venkitanarayananمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of ConnecticutUnited States

Kumar Venkitanarayanan is a Professor and Interim Dean at the University of Connecticut's College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). He previously worked as a Veterinarian in India, served as an Assistant Professor in Veterinary Public Health at Kerala Agricultural University, and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Georgia's Center for Food Safety and Quality Enhancement. Education: MS in Veterinary Science His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of food-borne pathogens' environmental stress tolerance, novel antimicrobial-based inactivation of pathogens in food systems, and development of rapid molecular detection methods. Current projects include combating antibiotic-resistant C. difficile infections using tagatose and advancing sustainable poultry systems through interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Venkitanarayanan has secured significant grants, including a $3.34 million USDA grant for organic poultry development and a $10 million USDA initiative on poultry sustainability. His work bridges veterinary science, public health, and agricultural innovation. Contact: kumar.venkitanarayanan@uconn.edu | Office: George White Bldg., Room 114 | Lab: Room 006

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Andrew B. Phillipsمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

MGH Institute of Health ProfessionsUnited States

Andrew B. Phillips, PhD, RN, FAMIA is an Associate Professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and a Faculty Nurse Scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital. He also serves as Director of Nursing Research at Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, working with nursing staff on clinical quality improvement initiatives. Dr. Phillips received his PhD in Nursing Informatics, BS in Nursing, and Masters Philosophy from Columbia University School of Nursing. He also holds a BA in Economics with a Minor in Biology from Washington University in St. Louis. His educational background uniquely combines healthcare, economics, and technology, reflected in his career trajectory that began as an actuary and consultant to health and pension benefit plans before transitioning to clinical nursing and informatics. Dr. Phillips' research focuses on two interconnected domains: the application of complex systems science to model disease processes and patient behavior, and the development of nursing informatics competency assessment tools to enhance nursing leadership. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical clinical applications, particularly through agent-based modeling techniques to understand behavioral patterns in healthcare settings. He has extensive experience in health information technology policy and implementation, having served as a co-investigator in the Health Information Technology Collaborative at Weill Cornell Medical College and as a policy advisor examining federal mandates around health information exchange. Dr. Phillips' publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly productivity with recent work in 2023 examining smoking cessation patterns through adaptive agent-based models. His research portfolio spans healthcare quality improvement, nursing informatics competencies, health information exchange, and the financial impacts of health IT systems. His work frequently appears in prominent venues including the American Medical Informatics Association Annual Symposium and Obesity Week conferences. Fellow of the American Medical Informatics Association (FAMIA) Dr. Phillips has established collaborative research relationships across multiple institutions including Columbia University, Weill Cornell Medical College, and various Massachusetts healthcare systems. His work has been supported by numerous grants focused on health information technology implementation and nursing informatics development, though specific grant details aren't provided in the source material. He maintains active research collaborations, particularly with the Lisa J. Wood's Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. Dr. Phillips leads research teams focused on applying complex systems science to healthcare challenges, with recent projects examining patient behavior modeling, nursing informatics competencies, and health information exchange implementation. His leadership extends to directing nursing research at Spaulding Rehabilitation Network where he works directly with clinical staff on quality improvement initiatives.

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Rita Tamayoمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States

Rita Tamayo, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. She serves as Co-Director of the UNC Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) and Chair of the Department's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Her laboratory investigates the regulatory mechanisms employed by bacterial pathogens, particularly Clostridioides difficile , to sense, respond, and adapt to host environments. Dr. Tamayo's research focuses on phase variation and phenotypic heterogeneity in C. difficile , which allows the bacterium to switch between different morphotypes (rough and smooth) affecting virulence, biofilm formation, and colonization. Her work also centers on second messenger signaling , especially the role of cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) in regulating flagella, toxins, and other virulence factors. Utilizing bacterial genetics, molecular biology, and animal models, her lab aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms of bacterial adaptation during infection. Analysis of Dr. Tamayo's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on C. difficile pathogenesis, with particular attention to phase variation mechanisms, c-di-GMP signaling, and host-pathogen interactions. Her work increasingly explores the impact of the gut microbiome and mucus on C. difficile behavior, as well as therapeutic interventions. The research spans molecular, cellular, and in vivo levels, contributing significantly to understanding bacterial survival strategies in dynamic host environments. Scientific awards and recognitions include: Pilot and Feasibility Award 2010 from the Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD) Dr. Tamayo actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Current lab members include PhD students Anchal Mehra, Nicole Gadda, Jilarie Santos Santiago, and Leslie Kent, as well as IRACDA Postdoctoral Fellow Dylan Plaskon. She has secured research funding, including the CGIBD Pilot and Feasibility Award, to support her investigations into bacterial pathogenesis and regulatory mechanisms. The Tamayo Lab, located in Marsico Hall at UNC Chapel Hill, employs a range of techniques including bacterial genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and animal models to study C. difficile and other intestinal pathogens. The lab collaborates with researchers across disciplines to address challenges in infectious diseases and microbiome research.

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Md Zahidul Alamمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

East Carolina UniversityUnited States

Dr. Md Zahidul Alam serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University (ECU). His primary research focuses on macrophage-mediated tissue injury and repair mechanisms using mouse models of pulmonary and intestinal damage. With dual postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Alam brings expertise in both pathological mechanisms and microbial interactions to ECU's medical research enterprise. Dr. Alam's educational journey includes an MBBS from Dhaka Medical College (Bangladesh), a PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington, and specialized postdoctoral training in the Haldar lab (Pathology) and Abt lab (Microbiology) at the University of Pennsylvania. These experiences established his foundation in macrophage biology and host-pathogen interactions. His research program centers on identifying molecular cues—including cytokines and stress signals—that drive macrophage polarization toward reparative phenotypes during tissue injury. This work bridges immunology, microbiology, and translational medicine, with particular emphasis on Clostridioides difficile pathogenesis and lung injury models. Dr. Alam employs multidisciplinary approaches combining in vivo modeling, immune cell profiling, and molecular signaling analysis to uncover therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases. Analysis of Dr. Alam's 15 publications (2014-2024) reveals consistent productivity with 5 papers in 2024 alone. His recent work demonstrates deep expertise in C. difficile infection mechanisms (host immunity, toxin interactions, therapeutic challenges) while expanding into macrophage roles in cancer (medulloblastoma) and heme metabolism. The publication record shows strong collaboration networks and increasing first/corresponding author contributions in high-impact journals. As an active investigator, Dr. Alam's laboratory provides training in advanced immunological techniques and disease modeling. His research program likely receives external funding given the consistent publication output and complex experimental approaches described. The lab maintains productive collaborations with his former institutions while establishing new partnerships at ECU. Dr. Alam's laboratory operates within ECU's Brody Building (Lab 7S 11), focusing on the intersection of innate immunity and tissue repair. The research environment emphasizes translational discovery, with findings directly addressing clinical challenges in infection management and inflammatory disease treatment. Current projects continue to explore macrophage reprogramming strategies for therapeutic intervention in pulmonary and gastrointestinal pathologies.

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Sam Trammellمشاهده پروفایل

استادیار

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Sam Trammell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He works within the Grevengoed Group focusing on n-acyl taurines (NATs) and Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) research. His educational background includes a PhD in Genetics from the University of Iowa (2016) and a B.Sc. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2009). Dr. Trammell's research focuses on two primary areas: N-acyl taurines (NATs) : Investigating these amphiphilic lipids as endogenously produced detergents, their role in cell signaling through GPR119, fat absorption, and how their concentration increases with dietary fish oil to levels comparable to bile acids Appetite regulation : Studying Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as a macronutrient responsive hepatokine that regulates lipid metabolism and macronutrient preference His recent publications demonstrate expertise in metabolomics, mass spectrometry, and lipid metabolism, with particular emphasis on bile acids, hormone secretagogues, and molecular trafficking mechanisms. Scientific awards and honors include: 2018: Marion Dave Francis Innovator Award from the University of Iowa 2017: University of Iowa Graduate Dean's Distinguished Dissertation Prize for "Novel NAD+ Metabolomic Technologies and their Applications to Nicotinamide Riboside Interventions" 2012-2013: NSF grant MCB-0822581 and NIH Pre-Doctoral Training Program in Genetics T32 grant GM008629 Dr. Trammell has received significant attention for his research, with publications being picked up by multiple news outlets, blogged about, and shared across social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. His work has garnered considerable attention in academic circles with numerous readers on Mendeley. His laboratory work utilizes advanced metabolomics techniques to investigate the relationship between small molecule metabolites and hormonal regulation, particularly focusing on how dietary components influence metabolic pathways.

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