Faculty of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia: About Us

About Us

The Faculty of Infectious Diseases was created in 2007 to deal more effectively with infectious disease threats by integrating multidisciplinary research in animal, human, and ecosystem health and by developing successful countermeasures, including vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

Executive Council | Members

Executive Council

The Executive Council is appointed by the Director to three-year renewable terms to advise the Director on goals, objectives, resources, program development, and other activities of the Faculty of Infectious Diseases. The current members of the Executive Council are:

Name	Unit	Term Expires	Contact
Dan Colley	Microbiology / CTEGD	May 2010	dcolley@uga.edu
Eric Dahl	Public Health	May 2009	ericdahl@uga.edu
Harry Dickerson	Veterinary Medicine	May 2010	hwd@vet.uga.edu
Kim Klonowski	Cellular Biology	May 2011	klonowski@cb.uga.edu
Eric Lafontaine	Infectious Diseases	May 2011	elafon10@uga.edu
Egbert Mundt	Population Health / PDRC	May 2010	emundt@uga.edu
Fred Quinn	Infectious Diseases	May 2011	fquinn@vet.uga.edu
Pej Rohani	Ecology	May 2010	rohani@uga.edu

Members

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Sonia Altizer, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Ecology
Odum School of Ecology
University of Georgia

Research examines the ecology of infectious diseases in animal populations using a combination of field studies, experiments, comparative approaches and modeling. Is particularly interested in the effects of host behavior on pathogen transmission, and the consequences of genetic and environmental factors for host susceptibility. View Site ›

Jeb Byers, Ph.D.

Department of Ecology
Odum School of Ecology
University of Georgia

Has a broad base of ecological research interests that involves the study of species interactions in nearshore, estuarine, and marsh environments, with particular emphasis on quantitative measures of impacts of non-indigenous species on native biota in invaded communities. Interest in parasite and disease ecology is rooted in understanding environmental determinants of parasite prevalence and triggers of disease onset and outbreaks, as well as how parasites and disease affect populations and community structure. View Site ›

Russell Carlson, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and CCRC
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Research goal is directed toward determining the molecular basis for the interaction between a bacterium and its plant or animal host. Research focuses on the determining the structural features of the bacterial cell surface carbohydrates that are important in the infection process, and to identify the function(s) of those structural features in the infection of, and survival within, the host cell. View Site ›

Donald Champagne, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Entomology
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
University of Georgia

Many diseases are vectored by blood-feeding arthropods, which modify the conditions of pathogen transmission as a result of antihemostatic and immunomodulatory activities in their saliva. Seek to characterize these activities and the specific components involved, with the ultimate goal of developing novel strategies for interrupting disease transmission. View Site ›

Dan Colley, Ph.D.

Professor and Director, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases
Department of Microbiology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Laboratory works on the immunology of human schistosomiasis, primarily in relationship to immune mechanisms of resistance to reinfection and to a lesser extent in regard to immune mechanisms related to subtle and severe morbidity due to this worm infection of 200 million people. Is also developing and will direct a new effort, the Schistosomiasis Consortium for Operational Research and Evaluation (SCORE) in support of schistosomiasis control programs. View Site ›

Eric Dahl, Ph.D.

Professor and Associate Dean
Department of Health Policy and Administration
College of Public Health
University of Georgia

A clinical faculty member in the Department of Health Policy and Administration in the UGA College of Public Health. Current work is focused on the development of new medical education programs. View Site ›

Harry W. Dickerson, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Professor and Associate Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Studies the immune response of bony fishes (teleosts) using the common protozoan parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis as a model system. Laboratory utilizes molecular genetic and biological approaches to study the expression and function of parasite and host genes that are relevant to infection and immunity. View Site ›

Richard Dluhy, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Chemistry
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Development of novel analytical and spectroscopic methods for biodiagnostic and biosensing purposes. Application of surface-enhanced vibrational spectroscopy for the detection and classification of biomedically important pathogens. View Site ›

Roberto Docampo, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Cellular Biology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Strategy is to search for metabolic pathways in parasites that may be essential for their survival but may not find an equivalent counterpart in the host. Currently efforts are concentrated on the mechanisms by which pH and calcium homeostasis are maintained by different trypanosomatids (T. cruzi, T. brucei, and Leishmania sp.) and malaria parasites (P. falciparum, P. berghei) and more specifically in the biochemical and molecular characterization of a new organelle that we have discovered and named the acidocalcisome. View Site ›

Scott Dougan, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Cellular Biology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Laboratory studies how environmental cues influence cell behavior in animals. The main focus is to understand how extracellular signals influence cell fate decisions during embryogenesis, using zebrafish as a model system. Also interested in how differentiated cells respond to their environment. Toward that end, has established collaborations with laboratorties in the School of Veterinary Medicine to establish zebrafish as a model for studying infectious diseases. View Site ›

Michael Doyle, Ph.D.

Director
Center for Food Safety
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
University of Georgia

Develop better methods to detect, control, and reduce contamination of foodborne pathogens from farm to plate. Pathogens under study include Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridium botulinum, E. coli O157:H7 and EHEC, and Listeria monocytogenes. View Site ›

John M. Drake, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Ecology
Odum School of Ecology
University of Georgia

Laboratory work focuses on the population and evolutionary dynamics of emerging and re-emerging pathogens. A specific focus is non-direct transmission modes, including vector-transmitted parasites and environmentally transmitted parasites. View Site ›

Donald Evans, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Comparative immunology studies at both cellular and molecular levels with particular emphasis on mechanisms of innate immunity. Model systems include teleost homologues of mammalian NK cells and pattern recognition receptors. View Site ›

R. Craig Findly, Ph.D.

Senior Research Scientist
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Research focuses on T-cell and B-cell responses in bony fish to infection by the protozoan parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a common, wide-spread pathogen of fish. Molecular genetic and biological approaches are used to study the expression and function of parasite and host genes. View Site ›

Christine Fiorello, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Interested in the ecology of infectious disease in wildlife and at the interface of wild and domestic animals, especially carnivores. Goals are to bring together concepts and skills of veterinary medicine and ecology to better understand how infectious diseases impact wildlife populations, and to use this understanding to aid in wildlife conservation. View Site ›

Zhen Fu, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Pathology
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Major focus is to determine the mechanisms by which viruses invade the nervous system and cause neurological diseases. In the meantime, also develops strategies to combat virus infection with vaccines and anti-viral agents. View Site ›

Travis Glenn, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Environmental Health Science
College of Public Health
University of Georgia

Develops and uses DNA techniques and technologies to address problems in ecology, environmental health, evolution, toxicology, and natural resource management. View Site ›

John R. Glisson, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Professor and Head
Department of Population Health
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

View Site ›

Mark Haidekker, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
University of Georgia

Research is focused on new biosensing and bioimaging methods including laser-optical imaging modalities, fluorescent environment-sensitive probes, and image analysis. The research is widely application-driven and focuses on the needs of my collaborators.
View Site ›

Steve Hajduk, Ph.D.

Department Head
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Research in the Hajduk laboratory is focused on the molecular biology and biochemistry of African trypanosomes. Ongoing studies address the mechanism and function of RNA editing and the role of human innate immunity in controlling parasite infection. View Site ›

Robert J. Hogan, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Anatomy and Radiology
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Research is focused on understanding the biology and pathogenesis of virus infections with the goal of improving animal and human health. View Site ›

James Hollibaugh, Ph.D.

Director, School of Marine Programs
Department of Marine Sciences
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Interested in the microflora associated with marine organisms, particularly novel organisms associated with the guts of fishes, as well as the biogeography of potentially pathogenic organisms in the environment. View Site ›

Mary Hondalus, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Primary research interests lie in the areas of bacterial mechanisms of virulence and vaccine development. All studies in the lab are done with an eye toward translating the findings of basic research into potential therapeutic intervention strategies. View Site ›

Charles Hopkinson, Ph.D.

Director, Sea Grant Program
Department of Marine Sciences
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Yao-wen Huang, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Food and Science Technology
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
University of Georgia

SERS research on E. coli O157:H7 has demonstrated a potential technique for rapid detection method. The results indicated that E. coli O157:H7 can be identified from other strains and other bacteria including salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. The patent application for SERS system and method for detection has been filed through UGA Research Foundation. For the encapsulation of fish oil using chitosan, the results indicated a novel technique. The paper has been published recently. View Site ›

Mark Jackwood, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Population Health
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

A Molecular Virologist with a primary area of research interest in the identification, characterization, prevention, and control of animal coronaviruses. Most work focuses on infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a coronavirus that causes an upper-respiratory disease in chickens, but lab also conducts research on other coronaviruses of veterinary importance as well as avian influenza virus. View Site ›

Liliana Jaso-Friedmann, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Research focuses on the mechanisms of innate immunity against bacterial, viral parasitic and tumor antigens. Specifically study the pathways of activation of NK cells that are initiated upon contact with infectious insult and the effector molecules produced by NK cells in response to their activation. View Site ›

Elmar Kannenberg, Ph.D.

Senior Research Scientist
Complex Carbohydrate Research Center
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Research goal is to understand the virulence or pathogenic roles that B. anthracis carbohydrates and those of related bacterial strains have with regard to pathogenic development. Additional objectives of this work include identification of carbohydrate structures that can be used as vaccine antigens, for development of B. anthracis diagnostic tools, and as therapeutic targets.

Ray Kaplan, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Primary laboratory research focus is to measure, understand, and solve the problems presented by drug-resistant parasites. This is done by combining clinical, biological, computational, and molecular approaches. View Site ›

Anna Karls, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Microbiology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Research focuses on DNA rearrangements mediated by a novel family of DNA recombinases (Piv/MooV family) that include both site-specific recombinases and DNA transposases. Definition of the molecular mechanisms for DNA recombination mediated by these unique recombinases will significantly contribute to understanding the numerous uncharacterized DNA rearrangements that are involved in medically important processes, ranging from microbial pathogenesis to oncogenesis, and may provide new targets for development of therapeutics. View Site ›

Jessica Kissinger, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Genetics
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Laboratory is interested in parasite genomics and the biology of genome evolution. Approach is to apply molecular, computational and phylogenetic tools to the analysis of parasite genomes. Projects include the development of tools for data mining, comparative genomics and assessing the phylogenetic distribution of genes. View Site ›

Kim Klonowski, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Cellular Biology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Laboratory is interested in how immunological memory develops and is maintained after infection. In particular, they study the cellular cues instructing CD8 memory cell trafficking and homeostasis in non-lymphoid tissues, the sites of initial pathogen encounter. View Site ›

Thomas Kollars, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Biodefense and Infectious Disease Laboratory
JPH College of Public Health
Georgia Southern University

Focus is evaluation and/or management and policy development within the fields of public health and non-proliferation, including HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, water-and food-borne illnesses, vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, blood-borne pathogens, vaccine and drug development and new medical technologies. View Site ›

Duncan C. Krause, Ph.D.

Professor and Director, Faculty of Infectious Diseases
Department of Microbiology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a human respiratory tract pathogen causing bronchitis and pneumonia, especially in older children and young adults. Our research encompasses M. pneumoniae colonization of host respiratory epithelium, including the role and mechanism of gliding motility, as well as development of a nanotechnology-based platform for rapid and accurate detection of mycoplasma infections. View Site ›

Eric R. Lafontaine, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Research program consists of identifying and characterizing surface antigens that are expressed by the gram negative bacteria Moraxella catarrhalis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, and Burkholderia mallei, with emphasis on molecules functioning as adherence factors.
View Site ›

Jason Locklin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Research programs in laboratory are centered on the investigation and development of novel materials and methods for the precise control of organic molecular assemblies, both in solution and on surfaces as ultrathin films. Research activities involve organic and polymer synthesis, surface sensitive characterization techniques, nano- and micropatterning, and materials and device characterization. View Site ›

Robert Maier, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Microbiology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Roles of metalloproteins (hydrogenases and oxidative stress resistance enzymes) in pathogenic bacteria, particularly in Helicobacters and Enterobacteriaceae are studied. Physical characteristics of the enzymes, their maturation, and their differential expression in animal hosts are of interest. View Site ›

Leidong Mao, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Faculty of Engineering
University of Georgia

Research centers around the merging of Nanotechnology with Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), specifically for biomedical and lab-on-a-chip applications.Focus is not only on the development, characterization and functionalization of new materials and devices, but also on physical modeling, synthesis and device fabrication. View Site ›

Michelle Momany, Ph.D.

Department Head
Department of Plant Biology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, the most frequent agent of invasive aspergillosis, grows by highly polar tip extension which allows it to penetrate and severely damage host tissue. Lab is investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying polar growth of this pathogen. View Site ›

Julie Moore, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Research in laboratory focuses on defining immunoprotective and immunopathogenic mechanisms in malarial infection during pregnancy. Conduct human studies in malaria-endemic western Kenya and also use mouse models and a cell culture system to characterize the maternal-fetal interaction during infection. View Site ›

Silvia Moreno, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Cellular Biology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Function of a novel phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C in Trypanosoma cruzi; Ion homeostasis in Toxoplasma gondii; targeting of the isoprenoid pathway of Toxoplasma gondii.View Site ›

Egbert Mundt, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Caswell Eidson Chair in Poultry Medicine
Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar
Department of Population Health
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Research focuses on viral diseases that are important to the poultry industry. Research objectives are: 1) development of poultry vaccines and species independent diagnostic assays, 2) increasing knowledge about interactions of cellular proteins with viral replication machinery, and 3) analysis of determinants that characterize the antigenic makeup of viruses. View Site ›

Dennis Murray, Ph.D.

Chief, Pediatrics
Department of Pediatrics
School of Medicine
Medical College of Georgia

Involved primarily with RSV and influenza-related clinical research projects. For 28+ year career in academia, research has been involved in addressing public health-related issues, especially vaccines, infections in child care, various RSV-related projects, and unusual/unique Microbiology/infectious disease-related cases. View Site ›

Ellen Neidle, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Microbiology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Research in the laboratory focuses on transcriptional regulation and genome rearrangements in a strain of Acinetobacter baylyi. Successful treatment strategies may arise from comparisons between this bacterium and pathogenic Acinetobacter species and strains that are causing serious nosocomial infections worldwide. View Site ›

Torsten Ochsenreiter, Ph.D.

Assistant Research Scientist
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Using a systems biology approach to understanding the developmental regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in the parasite Trypanosoma brucei.View Site ›

Ynes Ortega, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Center for Food Safety
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
University of Georgia

Research with goals to isolate, identify, and control parasites that infect humans and animals and can be acquired via contaminated food and water. Currently the lab is focused in Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Neospora, and Toxoplasma. View Site ›

David Peterson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Interested in the role of adhesion proteins of the DBL-domain superfamily. Members of this superfamily play diverse roles, functioning both as ligands for erythrocyte receptors during host red cell invasion, and as cytoadherence proteins during sequestration of the parasite throughout the vasculature. View Site ›

Daniel Promislow, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Genetics
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Use the fruit fly as a model system to study the ecology of bacterial infections in natural populations. Aso use theoretical models to understand the role that pathogens might play in the evolution of aging. View Site ›

Fred D. Quinn, Ph.D.

Professor and Head
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

The mission of the Quinn laboratory is to identify, isolate and analyze virulence factors from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. shottsii, and other pathogenic mycobacteria of humans and animals. The primary focus is currently on examining a number of mycobacterial genes for the purpose of understanding their regulation and control of the host-pathogen interaction. View Site ›

Sreekumari Rajeev, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory
and Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Diagnosis and prevention of animals diseases with concentration on Johne’s Disease and leptospirosis in cattle. The research focus on studying the prevalence and developing diagnostic testing methodlogy. View Site ›

Pejman Rohani, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Ecology
Odum School of Ecology
University of Georgia

Research in the Rohani laboratory focuses on the population ecology of host-parasite interactions. We use a combination of experimental research and statistical and mathematical modeling to examine the invasion, persistence and evolution of infectious diseases. View Site ›

John Rose, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Uses structural biology to answer key questions about protein structure-function relationships aimed at better understanding molecular mechanisms of enzymatic reactions and other cellular processes. Keenly interested in understanding the structural features of larger multiprotein complexes in terms of mechanism allosterics and signal transduction. Believes that the infrastructure and expertise developed at UGA for structural genomics can be powerful tools for understanding the structural basis for disease and in the design of therapeutics. View Site ›

Robert Sabatini, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

African trypanosomes evade the host immune response by regulated antigenic switching of its VSG coat. Current lab research focus concerns the function of a novel modified DNA base, called base J, on the regulation of telomeric VSG gene expression. View Site ›

Susan Sanchez, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Infectious Diseases (Adjunct in Population Health)
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Ecology and Evolution of bacterial pathogens with special emphasis on antimicrobial resistance. View Site ›

Mark Schell, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Microbiology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Laboratory focuses on discovery and characterization of novel virulence genes involved in host colonization by pathogens in Burkholderia/Ralstonia group. Uses bioinformatic analyses, shotgun proteomics and in vivo expression profiling with microarrays to mine their genomes to identify novel virulence genes for subsequent analysis in hosts View Site ›

David Stallknecht, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Population Health
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Research focus includes the epidemiology and pathogenesis of wildlife diseases, diseases that affect both wildlife and domestic animal populations, and zoonotic diseases originating from wildlife populations. View Site

Richard Steet, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
CCRC / BCMB
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Laboratory studies the fundamental mechanisms that govern lysosomal biogenesis and vesicle trafficking. Interested in understanding the role of these processes in both inherited and acquired diseases. View Site ›

Michael Strand, Ph.D.

Research Professor
Department of Entomology
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
University of Georgia

Research program focuses on parasite- and virus-host interactions in invertebrates. Emphasis of study is on characterization of virulence genes, their interactions with the invertebrate immune and endocrine systems, and their effects on pathogenesis and disease transmission. View Site ›

Boris Striepen, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Cellular Biology and CTEGD
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Studying the cell and molecular biology of protozoan parasites responsible for AIDS associated opportunistic infections. Program spans from mechanistic studies on parasite biology to drug screening efforts. View Site ›

Steffen Sum, D.V.M.

Instructor
Department of Small Animal Medicine And Surgery
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

1. Determination of the role of rickettsial pathogens in naturally infected dogs presenting with thrombocytopenia, circulating morulae or clinical signs suggestive of rickettsial disease 2. Determination of reference values for protein C in clinically healthy dogs 3. Seroprevalence of, diagnosis of, comparison of different test for canine Lyme disease.

Matthew Sylte, Ph.D.

Assistant Research Scientist
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Laboratory investigates the innate host-response from viral (highly pathogenic avian influenza) and fungal (Aspergillus fumigatus) pathogens in several of veterinary models of disease. Characterizing the host-pathogen interaction at different anatomical sites is paramount to understand disease pathogenesis and the development of vaccines.
View Site ›

Rick L. Tarleton, Ph.D.

Distinguished Research Professor
Department of Cellular Biology
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

The Tarleton laboratory focuses on immunity to the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. In addition to interests in the generation of specificity of T cell responses to T. cruzi, and the discovery of diagnostics and vaccines for this infection, the lab is involved in proteomic, transcriptomic and genomic analysis of this parasite and maintains a field project in Argentina dealing with human Chagas disease.
View Site ›

Stephan Thayer, Ph.D.

Senior Public Service Associate
Department of Population Health
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Interested in the detection and enumeration of food animal pathogens, ELISA serological test development and developing or improving diagnostic methods. View Site ›

Stephen Mark Tompkins, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

Laboratory focuses on the interface of influenza viruses with human and domesticated animal populations. Studies involve the ability of influenza to cross species barriers, how the virus evolves to enable cross-species transmission and intervention strategies to address influenza-related disease; including novel detection and phenotyping technologies, vaccines, and therapeutics. View Site ›

Ralph A. Tripp, Ph.D.

Professor and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar
in Animal Health Vaccine Development
Department of Infectious Diseases
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

The research interest of our group is to develop translational disease intervention strategies for important human viruses and emerging infectious diseases of zoonotic origin. We investigate the mechanisms of immunity and disease pathogenesis associated with infection to better understand the conceptual and functional differences between innate and adaptive immune responses that provide the foundation necessary to facilitate vaccine and antiviral therapeutic protocols. The laboratories leverage the talents of academic, government and industry partners to promote ‘bench-to-bedside’ and ‘bench-to-barnyard’ vaccines and therapeutics. View Site ›

Steven Valeika, D.V.M.

Temporary Assistant Professor
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
College of Public Health
University of Georgia

Works on mathematical models for infectious disease transmission. Additionally, is interested in the interface between animal and human health related to, but not limited to, zoonotic infections. View Site

Andrew Whitford, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Public Administration and Policy
School of Public and International Affairs
University of Georgia

Research centers on the design and implementation of public health policies, such as those for infectious diseases. Currently working on a book about the CDC and its programs during the tenure of Dr. Julie Gerberding. Has held grants from the NSF, IBM, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. View Site ›

Robert Woods, Ph.D.

Professor
CCRC/BCMB
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
University of Georgia

Particularly interested in the 3D structure of polysaccharides and lipids from pathogenic bacteria and in the properties that may be exploited in the design of carbohydrate-based vaccines. Employ a number of biophysical techniques, including computational simulation, x-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. View Site ›

Bingqian Xu, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering
College of Agriculturaland Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Engineering
University of Georgia

Research program -- single molecule study of biological molecular assemblies & systems -- is highly inter- and multi-disciplinary which combines Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Material Science and Engineering. Detect biological events at the single-molecule level, which will be key to scientific advances in understanding, identifying, and developing therapies that promote human health.View Site

Michael Yabsley, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Population Health and Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study
Warnell School of Forestry
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Georgia

The focus of the Yabsley laboratory is to better understand the ecology of vector-borne and parasitic pathogens in wildlife. They are also interested in the evolution and phylogeny of these pathogens. View Site ›