I am a molecular microbiologist with training in infectious disease and immunology. My research program is primarily focused on molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance, which would reveal potential targets for development of novel intervention strategies and diagnostic tools against pathogens important in animal health and food safety. My expertise and experience also uniquely position my research program to emphasize translational projects that have a direct and tangible impact on the sustainability of animal production and public health.

My laboratory has a strong “One Health” emphasis on the interface of livestock, wildlife, environment, and human health. Due to this focus, I also have established multidisciplinary collaborations with the scientists from US and other countries (e.g. Japan, China, Ireland, and Northern Ireland).

Ongoing research projects in my laboratory include 1) Molecular mechanisms regulating membrane asymmetry of Gram-negative bacteria,; 2) Enterobactin-based immune intervention to control Gram-negative pathogens; 3) Microplastics and nanoplastics: novel analytical tool development and health effects; 4) Development of novel non-antibiotic approaches for mitigation of antimicrobial resistance in food animals; and 5) pathobiology and epidemiology of the emerging human pathogens Escherichia albertii in food animals and wildlife.