The Microbial Pathogenesis Lab
Advancing immunology through undergraduate research, educational innovation, and collaborative discovery
Not sure yet? Watch why undergraduate students should engage in research – a short Ted talk!
Research Focus
1
Sex Differences in Airway Immunology
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Our laboratory explores how environmental fungal exposures shape immune responses in the respiratory tract. We investigate why males and females develop distinct patterns of allergic airway inflammation and remodeling, providing insights into the biological mechanisms that influence susceptibility to asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases.
2
Science Education and Learning Research
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Our laboratory investigates how students learn biology (particularly immunology) and develops evidence-based approaches to improve undergraduate STEM education. We design, implement, and evaluate innovative learning activities while examining how instructional strategies influence student learning, engagement, and scientific thinking. Students contribute to educational research through curriculum development, classroom implementation, and the analysis of survey, interview, focus group, and assessment data to generate insights that inform teaching and learning.
3
Public Health & Infectious Disease Research
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Our laboratory investigates how individuals and communities understand infectious diseases and public health interventions, with a particular focus on vaccine confidence, health communication, and disease prevention. We examine the factors that influence public health decision-making and evaluate strategies that improve scientific literacy and public understanding of infectious diseases. Students contribute to research through survey design, data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and the dissemination of findings that inform evidence-based public health practice.
