Fungi are saprophytic organisms found in virtually all habitats on Earth. Fungal infections are responsible for >1.5 million deaths globally per year, primarily in immunocompromised patients. Using Aspergillus fumigatus as our primary model organism, we aim to understand the biochemical and physiological properties of these microbes in order to find new ways to treat fungal diseases in humans.  

Microbes rarely exist in isolation, and instead form complex polymicrobial communities. As a result, microbes have developed intricate offensive and defensive strategies that enhance their fitness in these complex communities. We aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms which microbes use to interact in these environments.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterial pathogen that infects, among others, patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), burn wounds, cancer, and severe infections requiring ventilation. Using P. aeruginosa as a model, we're interested in bacterial growth, metabolism and their responses to the environment. We aim to aid in the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to reduce infection severity.