Overview

Our laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms that control postexponential phase gene expression and the molecular evolution of bacterial endospore formation and spore germination. We are developing cell state computational modeling and predictive algorithms of response networks controlling spore formation, spore germination and toxin production.
Other areas of research interest include developing new medical countermeasure technologies for vaccines and antibiotics against Gram-positive bacteria, the use of chlorine dioxide for large-area remediation of buildings contaminated with infectious agents, and the investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in sterilization of spores and pathogenic bacteria.