I lead cross functional teams that research, develop and adapt cutting edge methods to manipulate biology at scale.

Worked within highly cross functional teams to develop and validate methods to manipulate biology at scale.

I studied the potential therapies developed by our transformative approach in detail, validating these discoveries using independent cell and molecular techniques.

Working within the scope of funded grants, I identified areas of potentially high impact research and initiated new projects in those areas. I pursued these projects as an individual, as a leader of small teams and in collaboration with junior lab members, mentoring them in the process of scientific discovery. This research has largely focused on understanding how the mobile genetic element ICEBs1 (an Integrative and Conjugative Element) interacts with its bacterial host and with other mobile… Show more Working within the scope of funded grants, I identified areas of potentially high impact research and initiated new projects in those areas. I pursued these projects as an individual, as a leader of small teams and in collaboration with junior lab members, mentoring them in the process of scientific discovery. This research has largely focused on understanding how the mobile genetic element ICEBs1 (an Integrative and Conjugative Element) interacts with its bacterial host and with other mobile genetic elements.• Identified genes that affect a bacteria’s ability to acquire DNA via conjugation. To facilitate my research, I adapted Tn-seq (transposon mutagenesis coupled with high-throughput sequencing) for use in Bacillus subtilis. I collaborated with or advised over 10 other research laboratories in the U.S. and abroad to assist them in adopting this powerful technique (2 peer review publications).• Discover and understand how ICEBs1 protects its host from a virus. ICEBs1 detects when the phage SPß enters its lytic cycle and interferes with essential host processes, preventing phage reproduction and ensuring the death of the infected host. This protects nearby, closely related bacteria from further rounds of infection, providing an example of biological altruism in a bacterium.• Identified and characterized a region of ICEBs1 needed for the element to replicate in its host. Initiated the project, collaborated with and mentored a junior lab member who took primary responsibility (1 peer review publication).• Characterize how ICEBs1 prevents closely related mobile elements from infecting its current host. Supervised and mentored several team members in the initiation and development of this project. Show less

As part of an interdisciplinary team I studied how conjugation is regulated at the molecular level in Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram positive bacterium. Collaborating with groups from several Universities, I used genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches to characterize the function of two small RNAs that act via distinct mechanisms to contribute to the switch-like control of conjugation. One RNA suppressed conjugation by signaling RNA polymerase to terminate transcription of conjugation… Show more As part of an interdisciplinary team I studied how conjugation is regulated at the molecular level in Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram positive bacterium. Collaborating with groups from several Universities, I used genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches to characterize the function of two small RNAs that act via distinct mechanisms to contribute to the switch-like control of conjugation. One RNA suppressed conjugation by signaling RNA polymerase to terminate transcription of conjugation genes. The other RNA directed the nuclease RNase III to cleave the mRNA that encodes a repressor of conjugation, likely enhancing conjugation.• This work resulted in 6 peer review publications, including 2 in Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.• Communicated work at national and university-wide conferences and regular lab meetings.• Instructed other lab members in technical processes.• Advised and assisted rotating graduate students.• Oversaw laboratory compliance with Federal, State and University guidelines for use and disposal of radioactive materials. Show less

I used in vivo and in vitro cell biology approaches to explore the role of IL-12 and other third signal cytokines in promoting an immune response (CD8+ T-cell expansion and differentiation) against model antigens and model cancers.• This work resulted in 2 peer review publications.• Collaborated with other lab members on projects to fulfill funding mandates.• Advised and assisted lab members in technical processes.• Oversaw laboratory compliance with Federal, State and… Show more I used in vivo and in vitro cell biology approaches to explore the role of IL-12 and other third signal cytokines in promoting an immune response (CD8+ T-cell expansion and differentiation) against model antigens and model cancers.• This work resulted in 2 peer review publications.• Collaborated with other lab members on projects to fulfill funding mandates.• Advised and assisted lab members in technical processes.• Oversaw laboratory compliance with Federal, State and University guidelines for use and disposal of radioactive materials. Show less

I investigated the effects of humoral immunity (the complement system) on eukaryotic cell membranes and xenogenic tissues.• Developed hemolytic assays to test effects of complement on xenogenic tissues.• Performed ELISAs for complement components.• Analyzed data and communicated results to primary investigator and collaborators.