We study Group A Streptococcus (GAS; Streptococcus pyogenes; strep), a bacterial pathogen that causes infections ranging from strep throat to sepsis and toxic shock. GAS is a human-specific pathogen and therefore has a variety of mechanisms to survive in our bodies, including defenses against our immune cells. We specifically study how GAS survives in macrophages, a type of immune cell that phagocytoses (eats) and digests bacteria to kill the pathogen and teach your immune system what that pathogen looks like. Learn about specific aspects of this interaction by reading more in-depth about our research, or better yet, check out some of our papers!

Having started research as an undergraduate student, I am dedicated to providing meaningful research experiences for undergraduate students. My students have participated in research conferences and are co-authors on papers. Learn about what our alumni are doing and how you can get involved in research with us!