EDUCATION

1976-1979: Bachelor of Science, Biology, Summa Cum Laude, State University of New York, Albany

1979-1983: Doctor of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

1983-1986: Resident in Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

1986-1989: Fellow in Infectious Diseases, Tufts/New England Medical Center

1989-1990: Fellow in Geographic Medicine, Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine

HONORS and AWARDS

1979: Phi Beta Kappa, Signum Laudis, Beta Beta Beta

1979: New York State Regents Scholarship in Medicine

1989: Maxwell Finland Award, Massachusetts Infectious Diseases Society

1995: First annual Jacob Francisco Lectureship, East Tennessee State University

2000: Oswald Avery (formerly Squibb) Award, Infectious Diseases Society of America

2001: Member, American Society for Clinical Investigation

2005: Chair, Division B (Microbial Pathogenesis), American Society for Microbiology

2007: Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology

2008: Inaugural member, Pass & Susel Academy of Education Excellence, University of Maryland

2009: Member Bacterial Pathogenesis Study Section (BACP), National Institutes of Health

Our laboratory is focused on the study of bacterial pathogenesis. We use combined molecular biology, cell biology, biochemical, biophysical and structural biology approaches to gain insight into the processes by pathogens including E. coli and Clostridium difficile cause disease. The goal is to identify and characterize bacterial factors that are involved in interactions with host cells and to identify cellular mechanisms triggered by interactions with bacteria. We are also interested in novel approaches to prevent and treat bacterial infections. It is anticipated that these studies will impact not only our understanding and approach to infectious diseases, but also our appreciation for normal and abnormal cellular physiology.