Interests

Regulation of genes in Vibrios

Regulation of DNA repair genes in Enteric bacteria

Health Disparities Epidemiology

Antibacterial activity of plants

The major project involves collaboration with Dr. Joanna Mott, in which we are monitoring Vibrio vulnificus in the coastal waters, and determining what genes are involved in facilitating the survival of this organism under hostile environmental conditions. The second project involves the gene nfi, which encodes a DNA repair enzyme, Endonuclease V. I am exploring how the gene is controlled in estuarine environments in E. coli, and in other members of Enterobacteriaceae and Vibrionaceae. The third project is in collaboration with Dr. Suzzette Chopin on the antibacterial properties of herbal plants; please refer to Dr. Chopin's research summary. I am also doing some health disparity research to determine if MRSA affect diabetics differently across ethnic groups; this work is in conjunction with local physicians in private practice and at Christus Spohn hospitals here in Corpus Christi.