Research/Areas of Interest
My laboratory investigates pathogenic spirochetal bacteria, with a special emphasis on Borrelia burgdorferi, the tick-borne agent of Lyme disease, and Treponema denticola, a major player in the development of periodontal disease. We seek to elucidate the mechanisms these bacteria rely upon to replicate, maintain resilience within host environments, and cause disease. These findings will inform the development of novel therapeutic and preventive approaches. To achieve these goals, we rely on interdisciplinary and collaborative deployment of genetic, genomic, biochemical, imaging, and computational approaches, as well as in vivo studies.