Our faculty research interests are diverse. Advancing knowledge that improves human health and the quality of life is the ultimate goal of each investigator. Faculty research interests include studies in molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and immunity, cell biology, and immunology. The department offers many opportunities to conduct groundbreaking research in these fields in a collaborative, stimulating environment. In addition, educational opportunities abound in the forms of lectures, seminars, and discussions. These programs provide students with the opportunity to develop depth and breadth of knowledge in their chosen field of research. Current research is conducted in immunology, molecular genetics / virology, medical bacteriology, parasitology, and medical mycology.

Immunology

• John B. Barnett, Ph.D., Professor and Chairman Effects of xenobiotics on the immune system
• Kathleen Brundage, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor
• Christopher F. Cuff, Ph.D., Associate Professor Cellular and molecular events that result in the development of antigen-specific immune responses in the gastrointestinal tract
• Laura Gibson, Ph.D., Professor Lymphocyte development; apoptosis
• Kenneth S. Landreth, Ph.D., Professor B lymphocyte development
• Michael I. Luster, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor Effects of environmental agents on the immune system; risk assessment models; role of inflammatory cytokines in toxicity  
• Rajesh Naz, Ph.D., Professor Testis-specific gene expression, contraceptive vaccine development, fertilization  and infertility.  
• V.M. Rajendran, Ph.D., Professor Molecular regulation of electrolyte transporters in inflammatory bowl diseases
• Rosana Schafer, Ph.D., Associate Professor Immune response to Listeria; vaccine development
• James M. Sheil, Ph.D., Associate Professor Antigen presentation; cytotoxic T lymphocyte function and specificity; vaccine design
• Uma Sundaram, Ph.D., Professor
• David Weissman, M.D., Adjunct Professor
  Influences of host and enviornmental factors on pulmonary inflammatory and immune responses

Medical Bacteriology

• Nyles Charon, Ph.D., Professor
  Mechanisms of pathogenesis associated with spirochetes
  
  
• Thomas Elliott, Ph.D., Professor
  Bacterial gene expression in Salmonella

• Slawomir Lukomski, Ph.D., Associate Professor
  
  
• Joan Olson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
   
• John Thomas, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor
  Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and the consequence of endotrachael biofilms