Research in my lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms of interspecies interactions observed in communities living on surfaces—polymicrobial biofilms. These complex communities are ubiquitous and also have a significant impact on human health.

To study these polymicrobial biofilms, we use approaches including in vitro co-culture systems, bacterial genetics, and molecular screens to understand the molecular mechanisms driving the recalcitrance of these communities observed during infection (e.g., chronic airway infections in people cystic fibrosis, chronic wounds, etc.).