Academic focus: Bacterial signal transduction and biofilm formation
Research summary: I study how a group of critically understudied bacteria, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), produce biofilms. Biofilms occur when bacteria attach to surfaces and become aggregated in a self-secreted exopolysaccharide matrix. Intriguingly, NTM biofilms are a public health threat, as they colonize medical devices, are implicated in many hospital-acquired infections, and are difficult to treat and clear due to increased resistance to various antimicrobial agents. My lab aims to determine what specific signaling mechanisms drive NTM biofilm formation and leverage this knowledge to determine whether these mechanisms could be utilized for future anti-biofilm applications against NTM infections.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I enjoy taking ballet classes, reading, cooking, listening to music and podcasts, and participating in science themed activities.
What brought you to Cornell CALS?
The opportunity to build a research program in a department that is not only warm, welcoming and supportive, but is filled with colleagues that do amazing science is what solidified my decision to come to Cornell.
What do you think is important for people to understand about your field?
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are clinically important pathogens that are still heavily understudied. Basic research that aims to understand the biology of these bacteria is of critical importance, as it will enable scientists to answer fundamental questions aimed at understanding what the various mechanisms of pathogenesis of this group of bacteria are.
Why did you feel inspired to pursue a career in this field?
Since obtaining my Ph.D. I have always been fascinated with bacterial biofilms and how they can serve as a mechanism of pathogenesis for many bacteria. Pursuing this profession gives me the opportunity to make discoveries about the different cellular processes that are involved in regulating biofilm formation and virulence especially in non-tuberculous mycobacteria.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field of study?
Determine what about bacteria and microbiology fascinates you and then pursue that interest.
Learn more about Lisa-Marie from her CALS profile.
