Buffalo-Niagara Falls Area
My current research is on mobile genetic elements in microbial communities, with a focus on optimizing gene annotation methods and functional characterizations.I integrate large-scale bioinformatic analyses with targeted experimental approaches to evaluate functional predictions in the most efficient way. I’m particularly interested in mobile element-encoded bioactive microbial natural products such as ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), as effectors we must understand in the complex microbial communities we care about controlling for optimal health. I seek to functionally characterize these products beyond biochemical activity, contextualizing both their pressence on mobile elements and the environmental determinants of the bacterial host's biology. I enjoy solving complex puzzles, making new connections, small projects, big projects, zooming in and out. Let's figure out first -- Are we asking the right questions?
I working with a diverse team of clinicians, bioinformatics specialists, students, and investigators on several projects involving the gut and oral microbiome. My primary project currently is in the development of an individualized microbiome library using a “culturomics” approach.
Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trials; CAR-T Cell Therapy
"The Vaccine Testing Center and its laboratories are dedicated to improving global health through the development and study of new vaccines and by improving our understanding of how humans respond immunologically to infections and vaccines. Our team runs a fully functioning unit for performing phase I and II vaccine trials and enteric challenge models at the Vaccine Testing Center (VTC). In general, the VTC focuses on the development of vaccines of importance to global health, including typhoid fever, Campylobacter infections, dengue virus infections, cholera, rotavirus and polio infections."