Teaching

• Principles of Microbiology (BSCI283)
• Microbial Genetics (BSCI412)
• Teaching Science and Professional Development (BISI701)

Graduate Program Affiliations

• BISI-Molecular & Cellular Biology (MOCB)

Research Interests

All organisms regulate the expression of their genes. These genetic regulatory processes are often responsive to specific chemical or physical cues. The overarching goal of my laboratory is to discover new classes of genetic regulatory elements and reveal their underlying molecular mechanisms, including their integration of physiological signals. More specifically, we investigate bacterial regulatory RNAs and the proteins that associate with them. Over the years, my lab has investigated many different riboswitches that respond to a range of cellular signals, including uncharged tRNAs, metabolites, metal ions, and RNA-binding proteins. My lab has also discovered novel small RNAs and long 5' leader regions in Bacillus subtilis and other Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, we study RNA degradation pathways. Together, these research endeavors provide key information about the biology of bacterial pathogens and will continue to inspire the development of new synthetic biology tools. 

Education

• Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 2002
• Postdoctoral Training, Yale University, 2004

All Publications