My lab group and I have made a number of novel and paradigm shifting discoveries in microbiology and microbial pathogenesis of Urinary tract infections (UTIs). I was the first to demonstrate that Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC); the principal causative agents of UTIs established persistent reservoirs within the bladder wall that could re-emerge to cause recurrent UTIs. We then went on to identify that the uropathogens use the autophagy pathway is a conduit for UPEC to access the autophagosomal niche; and that UPEC shuttles with ferritin-bound iron into the autophagosomal and lysosomal compartments within the bladder. Our most recent work has focused on dissecting mechanisms and therapeutic interventions to limit age-associated immune dysfunction and senescence in the aging bladder (Aged, postmenopausal women suffer from a high risk for recurrent UTIs and chronic inflammation). Our work is delineating how hormonal changes with age affect the regenerative capacity of urothelial cells. We demonstrated at the very beginning of the global Zika virus epidemic, that ZIKV takes a trans-placental route to infect the fetuses in pregnant mothers- this finding provided critical foundation to understand its virulence and to develop and test vaccines; anti-viral therapies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my lab has shown that SARS CoV2 infects the placenta and adversely affects the regulation of the renin angiotensin pathway thereby uncovering a key link with the increased risk of Preeclampsia in pregnant women with COVID-19. Our work has been recognized in all three fields by being awarded a K99/R00, multiple R01s and program projects from NIDDK/NCI/NIA/NICHD/NIAID); Investigator awards from Burroughs-Wellcome Fund and the March of Dimes; 2021 Christian J. Herr award for outstanding achievements in reproductive immunology and two Endowed professorships: James P. Crane Endowed Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine and inaugural E.L. Wagner Endowed Professor in Infectious Diseases and most recently being inducted as a Fellow at the American Academy of Microbiology I am a devoted and passionate mentor and have mentored numerous students and fellows and young faculty and received multiple Mentor of the Year awards. I am highly committed to scientific exchange forums (national and international), leadership and excellence in research and fiercely advocate for promoting women’s health research.