There are a large number of university faculty carrying out research with microorganisms. These faculty are located in several different departments and their locations reflect to a large extent the diversity of their research interests
Below is a list of all faculty whose research interests are related to microbiology. They are listed under broad categories but their research interests often span several of those categories.
Clicking on a category name will take you to the listing of those faculty.
Clicking on the faculty member's name will take you to a page with a more complete description of their research. You are encouraged to contact directly those people whose work is of interest to you.
| ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY |
- ALEXANDER, KATHLEEN
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
Phone: 540-231-5059
E-mail: kathyalx@vt.edu
Research: Wildlife disease; ecosystem health
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- DOVE, PATRICIA
- Department of Geological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-2444
- E-mail: pdove@vt.edu
- Research: Investigating the physical basis of Biomineralization and Microbe-Mineral surface interactions.
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- FALKINHAM, JOSEPH O., III
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-5931
E-mail: jofiii@vt.edu
Research: Geographic distribution, habitats, ecology and physiological ecology of the water- and soil-borne human, animal, and bird pathogen Mycobacterium avium (listed on the EPA Candidate Contaminant List, CCL). Current focus on (1) mechanism of chlorine-resistance, (2) basis for intracellular growth in protozoa and amoebae, and (3) metabolism of humic and fulvic acids.
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- HAGEDORN, CHARLES
- Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences
Phone: 540-231-4895
E-mail: chagedor@vt.edu
Research: Fate and transport in the environment of microorganisms with public health significance; development of microorganisms to control plant pathogens and reduce disease severity on important crops in Virginia. Study of public perception issues and concerns related to applications in agriculture and environmental biotechnology.
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- KNOWLTON, KATHARINE
- Department of Dairy Science
Phone: 540-231-5287
E-mail: knowlton@vt.edu
Research: Environmental issues associated with animal agriculture, including nutrient pollution of ground and surface water and odor emission. Impact of nutrition and herd management on nutrient losses from dairy farms. Ruminant starch digestion and glucose metabolism. Ruminant fiber digestion.
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| FOOD MICROBIOLOGY |
- BOYER, RENEE
- Department of Food Science and Technology
Phone: 540-231-4330
E-mail: rrboyer@vt.edu
Research: Pre and post harvest interventions to enhance the safety of fresh and fresh cut fruits and vegetables. Specifically: 1) Internalization of Salmonella and/or E. coli O157:H7 into tomatoes and leaf lettuces. 2) The use of high pressure processing and other alternative processes to inactivate pathogenic bacteria on produce. 3) Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on control of foodborne pathogens on fresh and fresh cut produce.
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- EIFERT, JOE
- Department of Food Science and Technology
Phone: 540-231-3658
E-mail: jeifert@vt.edu
Research: 1) Develop methods to prevent bacterial foodborne pathogens from contaminating poultry processing plant environments and reduce the level of these pathogens on live birds and finished products; and 2) Determine ways to improve the microbiological quality and shelf life of ready-to-eat poultry products and fruits and vegetables through design of appropriate microbiological sampling techniques and sampling plans.
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- PONDER, MONICA
- Department of Food Science and Technology
Phone: 540-231-5031
E-mail: mponder@vt.edu
Research: Microbial ecology of agricultural systems (water, soil, fresh produce), Epidemiology and food safety, Reservoir ecology of human enteric pathogens.
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- SUMNER, SUSAN
- Food Science and Technology Department
Phone: 540-231-5280
E-mail: sumners@vt.edu
Research: Inhibition and destruction of food borne pathogens by non-thermal processes. Emphasis on control of food-borne pathogens on fresh produce, juice and dairy products. Pathogens of primary interest are E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and Crptosporidium.
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- WILLIAMS, ROBERT
- Department of Food Science and Technology
Phone: 540-231-4106
E-mail: rcwillia@vt.edu
Research: Detection and control of bacterial pathogens and spoilage microorganism on fresh produce and in fruit juices.
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| MEDICAL/VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY |
- ADELMAN, ZACH, N.
- Department of Entomology
Phone: 540-231-6614
E-mail: zachadel@vt.edu
Research: Genetic control strategies for vector-borne disease agents; virus-vector interactions between arboviruses (dengue viruses, Sindbis) and mosquitoes; molecular biology, genetics and transformation of the vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti.
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- ALEXANDER, KATHLEEN
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
Phone: 540-231-5059
E-mail: kathyalx@vt.edu
Research: Wildlife disease; ecosystem health
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- BOYLE, STEVEN
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: 540-231-4641 (4155)
E-mail: smboyle@vt.edu
Research: Identification of bacterial and viral genes that can be used to attenuate the microbe or can be incorporated into genetically engineered delivery systems for the purposes of eliciting a protective immune response. Attenuation and genetic engineering of Brucella species and expression of capsid proteins of hemorrhagic enteritis virus in Salmonella and plants for purposes of oral vaccination
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- FALKINHAM, JOSEPH O., III
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-5931
E-mail: jofiii@vt.edu
Research: Molecular epidemiology, virulence determinants, and vaccine development of Mycobacterium avium, a human, animal, and bird pathogen. Current focus on (1) development of molecular typing methods, (2) mechanisms of adaptation to intracellular parasitism, and (3) mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial agents.
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- HERNICK, MARCY
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-2842
E-mail: hernickm@vt.edu
Research: The overall goals of our studies is to better understand the mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenicity of mycobacteria, to identify and characterize novel drug targets, and to synthesize inhibitors with the potential to function as novel antibiotics. Two potential defense mechanisms our lab is interested in are mycothiol biosynthesis and metal ion homeostasis. Mycothiol (MSH) is the unique thiol used by mycobacteria to protect against oxidative damage, while metal ion homeostasis (more specifically iron levels) has been shown to greatly impact disease progression in tuberculosis infections.
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- INZANA, THOMAS
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: 540-231-4692
E-mail: tinzana@vt.edu
Research: Investigation of genes involved in lipooligosaccharide phase variation in the pathogen Haemophilus somnus and the capsule of Francisella tularenis. Determination of the host immune response to these components, and identification of factors responsible for bacterial virulence and resistance to host defenses. Vaccine development and improved molecular diagnostic tests for identifying these bacteria is a key application.
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- KLEMBA, MICHAEL
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-5729
E-mail: klemba@vt.edu
Research: We are interested in understanding how the human malaria pathogen Plasmodium falciparum thrives inside its host erythrocyte. Our focus is the biochemistry and cell biology of hemoglobin degradation in the parasite’s degradative organelle, the food vacuole. Ultimately, we hope to identify potential new targets for anti-malarial drug development.
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- KNOWLTON, KATHARINE
- Department of Dairy Science
Phone: 540-231-5287
E-mail: knowlton@vt.edu
Research: Environmental issues associated with animal agriculture, including nutrient pollution of ground and surface water and odor emission. Impact of nutrition and herd management on nutrient losses from dairy farms. Ruminant starch digestion and glucose metabolism. Ruminant fiber digestion.
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- LI, LIWU
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-1433
E-mail: lwli@vt.edu
Research: Research in my lab focuses on the signaling events controlling the innate immunity, infection, and inflammation. Alteration in innate immunity has been recognized to contribute to various human diseases including cancer and atherosclerosis.
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- MELVILLE, STEPHEN
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-1411
E-mail: melville@vt.edu
Research: Molecular pathogenesis of diseases caused by the anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium perfringens. The emphasis is on C. perfringens' interactions with host phagocytic cells and the regulation of virulence factors that lead to tissue infections and food poisoning caused by the bacterium.
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- MENG, X.J.
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: 540-231-6912
E-mail: xjmeng@vt.edu
Research: Molecular mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis and developing vaccines against viral diseases, particularly emerging, re-emerging and zoonotic viral diseases.Ê Viruses currently being studied in Dr. Meng's lab include human, swine and avian hepatitis E viruses, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, and porcine circovirus.
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- MULLARKY, ISIS
- Department of Dairy Science
Phone: 540-231-2410
E-mail: mullarky@vt.edu
Research: Mucosal immunology and infectious disease. Our current research is focused on determining how Staphylococcus aureus alters the coagulation cascade and immune responses. The identification of the mechanisms regulating fibrin deposition during infection will provide new targets for both the prevention of dissemination and abscess formation during staphylococcal infections. Furthermore, the study of immune responses to bacterial infections will provide new insight into controlling pathogens at the acute stage of infection thereby preventing the establishment of chronic infection. Current studies include identifying the role of fibrin deposition during infection of the mammary gland and evaluating immune responses in cattle.
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- PAULSON, SALLY
- Entomology Department
Phone: 540-231-8035
E-mail: spaulson@vt.edu
Research: My primary research interests are in the area of mosquito biology and arbovirology. Specific projects examine behavioral and environmental risk factors for La Crosse encephalitis virus and factors influencing the vector competence of mosquitoes for viruses. Additionally, I am working with the Virginia Department of Health to develop and implement a state-wide surveillance program for West Nile virus.
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- PECCOUD, JEAN
- Virginia Bioinformatics Institute
Phone: 540-231-0403
E-mail: peccoud@vt.edu
Research: Our group develops the molecular toolboxes, theoretical framework, software environment, and high-throughput laboratory processes needed to enable the computer assisted design of synthetic genetic systems in microorganisms. We focus on the development of tunable protein expression systems for various biomedical application. We are also developing a generic pipeline to develop just-in-time biodefense countermeasures in response to an emerging infectious disease or biological threat.
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- POPHAM, DAVID
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-2529
E-mail: dpopham@vt.edu
Research: Structure, synthesis, and hydrolysis of the peptidoglycan wall components of vegetative cells and endospores. Studies utilize the model Gram-positive eubacterium, Bacillus subtilis, and the pathogens Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium perfringens. Molecular genetic techniques are used to identify and manipulate the genes encoding the penicillin-binding proteins that polymerize the peptidoglycan. Biochemical methods are used to examine the activities of these proteins and the peptidoglycan structural alterations associated with genetic and phenotypic changes. Potential applications of this research are in antibiotic design and in spore-killing during food preservation.
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- ROBERTS, CHRIS
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: 540-231-7949
E-mail: robec06@vt.edu
Research: The laboratory is currently focusing on several different aspects of viral pathogenesis: (i) the pathogenic potential of filamentous particles (influenza virus and RSV); (ii) elucidation of the viral entry and assembly mechanisms of filamentous particles; and (iii) elucidation of viral apoptotic signaling pathways and the role of interferon induced antiviral genes. In addition, using a reverse genetics approach, we are examining the vaccine potential of filamentous influenza virus particles.
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- SCHUBOT, FLORIAN
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-2393
E-mail: schubot@vt.edu
Research: Structural microbiology. By way of protein crystallography in conjunction with microbiology we aim to decipher the molecular basis for virulence of bacterial pathogens. The gained insights will be applied towards reaching our ultimate goal: the structure-based development of potent antimicrobial agents.
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- SCHURIG, GERHARDT
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: 540-231-7172 (7757)
E-mail: gschurig@vt.edu
Research: Development of recombinant vaccines against brucellosis, expression of heterologous antigens in the new vaccine strain Brucella abortus RB51 in order to vaccinate animals against brucellosis and other diseases, testing the vaccine strain in wildlife.
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- SOBRADO, PABLO
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-9485
E-mail: psobrado@vt.edu
Research: We are interested in understanding the mechanism and regulation of enzymes. This includes, dissecting the contributions of substrate binding and protein-protein interactions to catalysis, determining the structure of the transition state and the mechanism of substrate selectivity. Our research integrates a variety of techniques from molecular biology, protein expression and purification, steady and pre-steady state kinetics, computational modeling, x-ray crystallography, and UV/visible and fluorescence spectroscopies.
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- SRIRANGANATHAN, NAMMALWAR
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: 540-231-7171 (4002); FAX: 540-231-3426
E-mail: nathans@vt.edu
Research: Identification of protein antigens involved in the protection against Brucella and Pasteurella infections. Food safety issues with Salmonella.
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- SUBBIAH, ELANKUMARAN
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: 540-231-0761
E-mail: kumarans@vt.edu
Research Interests:
* Negative strand RNA viruses, their structure and function, pathogenesis, and control of diseases produced by them
* RNA virotherapy of invasive tumors
* Development of novel, non-invasive immunization strategies for control of viral diseases
* Emerging viral diseases
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- SUZUKI, YASUHIRO
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: 540-231-2095
E-mail: ysuzuki@vt.edu
Research: My laboratory has been working on the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions using murine models of infection with Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan parasite. Studies have recently been focused on host defense system in the brain.
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- YUAN, LIJUAN
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: 540-231-9053
E-mail: lyuan@vt.edu
Research: Mucosal immunology in viral infection and vaccines. Currently, research in my lab include studying the mechanisms of probiotic lactobacilli’s stimulatory and regulatory effects on the development of innate and adaptive immune responses induced by human rotavirus infection and vaccines; studying the causal role of dual viral and bacterial infection in the intestinal inflammation and intussusception in infants and young children using neonatal gnotobiotic pigs as models; and generation of plasmid-based reverse genetics system of porcine and human rotaviruses to study the determinants of pathogenicity and attenuation markers of rotaviruses and to develop new generations of rotavirus vaccines.
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| MICROBIAL GENETICS AND PHYSIOLOGY |
- CHEN, JIANN-SHIN
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-7129
E-mail: chenjs@vt.edu
Research: Anaerobic metabolism with an emphasis on microbial activities that can either lead to the production of useful chemicals or serve as the target for antimicrobial agents. Molecular characterization of enzymes, their structural genes, and the control elements for acetone-butanol production and nitrogen fixation in the clostridia.
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- DEAN, DENNIS
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-7126
E-mail: deandr@vt.edu
Research: Assembly and function of metalloclusters. Three major projects involve (1) analysis of the catalytic mechanism of nitrogenase (2) mechanism for the assembly of simple Fe-S clusters, for example, 2Fe-2S and 4Fe-4S clusters that participate in a variety of cellular functions and (3) biological formation of micromagnets by certain microorganisms.
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- FALKINHAM, JOSEPH O., III
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-5931
E-mail: jofiii@vt.edu
Research: Genetic basis for (1) high frequency switching between virulence types, (2) mechanisms of plasmid transfer between Mycobacterium species, and (3) role of plasmids in ecology, physiology, and virulence of Mycobacterium avium.
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- HERNICK, MARCY
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-2842
E-mail: hernickm@vt.edu
Research: The overall goals of our studies is to better understand the mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenicity of mycobacteria, to identify and characterize novel drug targets, and to synthesize inhibitors with the potential to function as novel antibiotics. Two potential defense mechanisms our lab is interested in are mycothiol biosynthesis and metal ion homeostasis. Mycothiol (MSH) is the unique thiol used by mycobacteria to protect against oxidative damage, while metal ion homeostasis (more specifically iron levels) has been shown to greatly impact disease progression in tuberculosis infections.
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- KENNELLY, PETER
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-4317
E-mail: pjkennel@vt.edu
Research: Regulation of protein function by phosphorylation-dephosphorylation in the Archaea and cyanobacteria. Determination of the physiological role(s) this reversible modification plays in the life of these organisms and the structure and mechanisms of the protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases that carry it out. The long term goal is to apply knowledge of prokaryotic protein phosphorylation events to achieving a global understanding of the origins and evolution of this important biological regulatory mechanism.
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- LARSON, TIMOTHY
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-7060
E-mail: tilarson@vt.edu
Research: Physiology and genetic regulation of glycerol-3-phosphate utilization and incorporation into membrane lipids of Escherichia coli. Biochemical and molecular genetic approaches are used to determine mechanisms of negative and positive transcriptional control of the glp regulon, to define the functions of repressors of the glpR family identified by genome sequencing, and to define the organization and regulation of a complex operon involved in ribosome phospholipid and fatty acid biosynthesis.
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- MELVILLE, STEPHEN
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-1411
E-mail: melville@vt.edu
Research: Molecular pathogenesis of diseases caused by the anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium perfringens. The emphasis is on C. perfringens' interactions with host phagocytic cells and the regulation of virulence factors that lead to tissue infections and food poisoning caused by the bacterium.
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- MUKHOPADHYAY, BISWARUP
- Virginia Bioinformatics Institute
Phone: 540-231-8015
E-mail: biswarup@vt.edu
Research: Experimental Functional Genomics and Mechanistic Biochemistry. The overall goal is to study the ecophysiology of a target microorganism and the biochemical basis of microbial diversity. His work has an emphasis on understanding the evolutionary processes as well.
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- MYLES, KEVIN
- Department of Entomology
Phone: 540-231-6158
E-mail: mylesk@vt.edu
Research: Molecular genetics of innate antiviral immune responses and virus-mediated modulation of innate immune responses in the mosquito. The long-term goal of this research is to develop novel methods for controlling arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) based on understanding at the molecular level the virus-vector interactions occurring in the mosquito.
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- PECCOUD, JEAN
- Virginia Bioinformatics Institute
Phone: 540-231-0403
E-mail: peccoud@vt.edu
Research: Our group develops the molecular toolboxes, theoretical framework, software environment, and high-throughput laboratory processes needed to enable the computer assisted design of synthetic genetic systems in microorganisms. We focus on the development of tunable protein expression systems for various biomedical application. We are also developing a generic pipeline to develop just-in-time biodefense countermeasures in response to an emerging infectious disease or biological threat.
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- POPHAM, DAVID
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-2529
E-mail: dpopham@vt.edu
Research: Structure, synthesis, and hydrolysis of the peptidoglycan wall components of vegetative cells and endospores. Studeis utilize the model Gram-positive eubacterium, Bacillus subtilis, and the pathogens Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium perfringens. Molecular genetic techniques are used to identify and manipulate the genes encoding the penicillin-binding proteins that polymerize the peptidoglycan. Biochemical methods are used to examine the activities of these proteins and the peptidoglycan structural alterations associated with genetic and phenotypic changes. Potential applications of this research are in antibiotic design and in spore-killing during food preservation.
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- POTTS, MALCOLM
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-5745
E-mail: geordie@vt.edu
Research: Structural physiological and molecular basis for desiccation tolerance in prokaryotic cells, specifically the cyanobacteria. The role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in prokaryotic cells. The role of prokaryotic globins, specifically the role of cyanoglobin in nitrogen fixation.
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- SCHUBOT, FLORIAN
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-2393
E-mail: schubot@vt.edu
Research: Structural microbiology. By way of protein crystallography in conjunction with microbiology we aim to decipher the molecular basis for virulence of bacterial pathogens. The gained insights will be applied towards reaching our ultimate goal: the structure-based development of potent antimicrobial agents.
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- SOBRADO, PABLO
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-9485
E-mail: psobrado@vt.edu
Research: We are interested in understanding the mechanism and regulation of enzymes. This includes, dissecting the contributions of substrate binding and protein-protein interactions to catalysis, determining the structure of the transition state and the mechanism of substrate selectivity. Our research integrates a variety of techniques from molecular biology, protein expression and purification, steady and pre-steady state kinetics, computational modeling, x-ray crystallography, and UV/visible and fluorescence spectroscopies.
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- STEVENS, ANN
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-9378
E-mail: ams@vt.edu
Research: Environmental sensing and control of gene expression in bacteria as it relates to host association. The luminescent marine bacterium, Vibrio fischeri, is used as a model for a mechanism of cell-density dependent gene regulation found in a variety of bacteria. Primary interests include the genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry of a specific transcription factor that postively regulates a subset of genes within the bacterium.
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- TU, JAKE
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-8062
E-mail: jaketu@vt.edu
Research: My laboratory is interested in studying the genomic diversity generated by transposable elements, both at a population genomic level and at a comparative/evolutionary genomic level. We have been mainly working with two species of mosquitoes, the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, and the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti.
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- WHITE, ROBERT
- Department of Biochemistry
Phone: 540-231-6605
E-mail: rhwhite@vt.edu
Research: Work in my lab is concerned with the biosynthesis, structure, function, and genetics of the coenzymes. At present, our work is focused on the coenzymes in the hyperthermophilic methanoarchaea Methanococcus jannaschii, a member of recently defined third kingdom of organisms on our planet. We are trying to develop an unified theory to understand how the biosynthesis of the coenzymes and thus metabolism, has evolved on our planet by studying the evolution of their biosynthetic enzymes in this organism as compared with other organisms.
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- YANG, ZHAOMIN
- Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 540-231-1350
E-mail: zmyang@vt.edu
Research: Bacterial locomotion and signal transduction; Myxococcus xanthus inter- and intra-cellular signaling in fruiting and gliding motility (bacterial SURFACE motility WITHOUT the flagellum). Twitching motility and pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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| PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS |
- BEERS, ERIC
- Department of Horticulture
Phone: 540-231-3210
E-mail: ebeers@vt.edu
Research: My laboratory is working to define the roles played by proteolytic enzymes during the differentiation of vascular tissues. Using Arabidopsis, we have prepared cDNA libraries from secondary xylem and bark of the root-hypocotyl. From these cDNA libraries we have identified several vascular tissue peptidases for further characterization. We are currently conducting genome- wide expression profiling using xylem and phloem tissues.
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- HONG, CHUAN
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
Phone: 757-363-3908
E-mail: chhong2@vt.edu
Research: Our research interests encompass applied and basic aspects of plant pathology including molecular characterization and detection of plant pathogens, investigation of basic pathogen biology and ecology, epidemiology and ornamental disease management. Current areas of interest include characterization and detection of plant pathogens in recycling irrigation systems, ecology and epidemiology of ornamental diseases, biological and economic thresholds of waterborne pathogens for major nursery crops, and integrated control strategies.
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- JOHNSON, CHARLES
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
Phone: 434-292-5331
E-mail: spcdis@vt.edu
Research: Biology and management of tobacco cyst nematodes (Globodera tabacum solanacearum). Management of tobacco diseases, particularly blue mold (Peronospora tabacina), black shank (Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae), collar rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), and damping-off/sore shin (Rhizoctonia solani).
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- McDOWELL, JOHN
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
Phone: 540-231-2388
E-mail: johnmcd@vt.edu
Research: Plants can be exploited for "free meals" by a wide variety of pathogens and pests. They have responded to this pressure by evolving inducible defense responses such as programmed cell death and antibiotic production at the site of infection. These immune responses are triggered by a sensitive, genetically complex surveillance system comprised of "R genes" that recognize specific molecules from the pathogen (conceptually analogous to an antibody-antigen interaction). My research focuses on the interaction between Arabidopsis and its natural pathogen Peronospora parasitica (downy mildew).
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- NOWAK, JERZY
- Department of Horticulture
Phone: 540-231-5451
E-mail: jenowak@vt.edu
Research: Biotechnological approaches to the enhancement of plant stress tolerance. Development of sustainable crop rotation systems based on compatibility between plants and associated microorganisms. Ecophysiology and molecular biology of stress tolerance and plant-microbial interaction.
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- STROMBERG, ERIK
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
Phone: 540-231-7871
E-mail: elstrom@vt.edu
Research: Gray leaf spot resistance in maize involves the evaluation of maize germplasm for resistance to gray leaf spot caused by Cercospora zeae-maydis. Reduction of the economic impact of take-all caused by Gauemannomyces graminis var. tritici on Virginia wheat production. Evaluation of various chemical and biological seed treatments for control of disease in wheat to control seedling diseases, improve seedling vigor, control powdery mildew, and barley yellow dwarf virus.
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- TOLIN, SUE
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
Phone: 540-231-5800
E-mail: stolin@vt.edu
Research: Biology, genetics and diversity of plant pathogenic viruses, and control through understanding and deploying resistance mechanisms and management practices. Current programs with soybean mosaic and other viruses in soybean and viruses of hot pepper in Jamaica.
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- TYLER, BRETT
- Virginia Bioinformatics Institute
Phone: 540-231-2100
E-mail: bmtyler@vt.edu
Research: Dr Tyler's research pinpoints genes and molecules that mediate interactions between plants and microbes. These interactions can be beneficial, resulting in increased plant performance, or negative, resulting in plant disease. In either case, the end result of the interaction is not just the result of two organisms interacting, but is the result of a complex web of signals and responses exchanged among the vast diversity of microbes, microfauna, predators and competing plants that comprise the environment of a plant.
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- VINATZER, BORIS
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
Phone: 540-231-2126
E-mail: vinatzer@vt.edu
Research: Gram-negative plant pathogens share one fundamental virulence mechanism with Gram-negative animal pathogens: a Type III Secretion System (T3SS). Plant pathogens use a T3SS to secrete virulence factors, called effectors, either into the extra-cellular plant environment or directly into the cytoplasm of plant cells. Like secret agents in a foreign country they remain undetected by some host plants and succeed in manipulating the host in order to create an environment favorable to pathogen growth. We study the evolution and the role in host range of genomic regions containing T3SS effectors in closely related P. syringae strains.
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- WELBAUM, GREG
- Department of Horticulture
Phone: 540-231-5801
E-mail: welbaum@vt.edu
Research: One project seeks to identify how fungus are able to cause seeds of some orchid species to germination. We are trying to identify genes expressed during the early stages of orchid seed germination in response to fungal colonization. We have a project with a private company to develop seed treatments to improve seed germination and seedling growth. We are investigating natural defense mechanisms that seeds have against pathogenic attack. We are investigating whether systemic acquired resistance to disease can be induced in seeds prior to germination.
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- YODER, KEITH
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
Phone: 540-869-2560 Ext 21
E-mail: ksyoder@vt.edu
Research: Fireblight management; Diseases resistance and susceptibility of new apple cultivars; Fruit fungicide activity spectrum and fungal resistance management.
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