About

Bacteria have a profound impact on humankind and planetary health. They are essential for our well-being, supplying vital nutrients to our bodies, decomposing waste and pollutants in our environment, and producing products of high medical and industrial value. On the flip side, bacterial pathogens remain major threats, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance has far outpaced the development of new drugs.

Our lab focuses on understanding the cell biology of bacteria and unraveling the biophysical mechanisms that enable their remarkable proliferation or persistence in diverse environments. While Escherichia coli serves as a valuable model system for elucidating core mechanisms, some bacteria, including important human pathogens, exhibit unique cell biology. A prime example is the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, a debilitating tick-borne illness rapidly expanding in the US and Europe. We study B. burgdorferi’s highly fragmented genome and distinctive cell envelope to uncover how these features contributes to pathogenesis and disease progression. Additionally, we dissect immune strategies—such as host defense peptide activities and their trade-offs — and investigate antibiotic mechanisms and resistance to inform the development of next-generation antimicrobials.

We strive to cultivate a supportive environment of inclusivity, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary thinking—where bold ideas flourish and fuel transformative discoveries.