First name,Last name,Preferred title,Overview,Position,Department,Individual
J.,Heatley,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Small Animal Clinical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n0473e208
Carolyn,Cannon,Associate Professor,"Our goal is to develop novel, non-toxic antimicrobial formualtions with efficacy against gram-positive and gram-negative multi-drug resistant pathogens.",Associate Professor,Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n0b3870aa
Yi,Xu,Associate Professor,"Our current research activities focus on understanding the pathogenic mechanism of Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (Sgg). Sgg is a gram-positive opportunistic pathogen that causes life-threatening bacteremia and infective endocarditis (IE). It is also strongly associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). My lab was the first to demonstrate that Sgg actively promotes the development of colon tumors, elevating a long-stranding clinical association to a functional causal role of Sgg in tumor development. Despite its medical importance, the pathogenic mechanism of Sgg remains poorly understood. Our recent studies have demonstrated that a type VII secretion system of Sgg plays a key role in pathogenesis. Currently we are interested in understanding the mechanism underlying following key steps in Sgg pathogenesis: 1) colonization of the intestinal epithelium, 2) modulation of intestinal homeostasis in normal and tumor-bearing colons, and 3) dissemination from the gastrointestinal tract to the circulatory system.
Keywords: bacterial pathogenesis, infectious diseases, virulence, colorectal cancer, microbiome, microbiota, type VII secretion system, gastrointestinal tract",Associate Professor,Institute of Biosciences and Technology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n0c22439a
Rodolfo,Aramayo,Associate Professor,"My current research primarily focuses on understanding the organization, distribution, and comparison of information in Biological Systems. Our work encompasses two key levels of investigation:
Molecular Genetics: We employ the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa as a model organism to uncover and comprehend the intricate molecular components responsible for sequence-based comparisons between homologous chromosomes, leading to the initiation of Meiotic Silencing, a phenomenon driven by RNA-mediated processes. Currently, our primary focus centers on the exploration of whether genes recognized for their significance in Meiotic Transvection/Silencing also contribute to the occurrence of Repeat Induced Point Mutation (RIP) phenomena.
Computational Analysis: We are developing novel computational pipelines dedicated to detecting sequence variations within related genomes. We are particularly intrigued by the prospect of simplifying (i.e., digitizing) the information present in DNA, RNA, and Proteins so as to simplify its manipulation and analysis. We think that digitizing emerging genomic data will not only enable us to use this data effectively but also to integrate it into Artificial Intelligence, Data Clustering, and Image Recognition Algorithms, in ways not done before. We posit that this process of converting biological features into digital equivalents has the potential to simplify genomic information, making it easier to uncover previously unnoticed patterns through complex computational comparisons. This approach has already yielded promising results by revealing unexpected informational patterns across various organisms' chromosomes. We believe that it will streamline and enhance our ability to comprehend different cellular and organismal states. Moreover, it holds significant promise in revolutionizing our understanding of diseases, particularly Cancer and Metagenomics. This informational perspective also contributes to our comprehension of genome evolution, especially in the field of comparative genomics and microbial metagenomics.",Associate Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n14287b36
Duncan,Mackenzie,Associate Professor,"Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are of primary importance in the regulation of such fundamental physiological processes as growth, nutrient utilization, and reproduction. In my laboratory we examine the regulation of the secretion of thyroid hormones and their actions in poikilothermic vertebrates in order to understand the evolution of thyroid function. We are presently focusing on the regulation on thyroid hormone secretion and the mechanisms of iodine transport in commercially-important fish species such as the red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), and even the zebrafish (Danio rerio).
This research is aimed at providing new insights into the potentially ancient role of thyroid hormones in nutrient assimilation, as well as elucidating evolutionary trends in the regulation of thyroid function. These studies may serve identify ways in which the pituitary-thyroid axis may be manipulated to enhance aquaculture production or endangered species conservation.",Associate Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n33bd0e42
Alistair,McGregor,Associate Professor,"Our lab studies various herpesviruses but the major focus of our research is on the study of cytomegalovirus (CMV) which is a common pathogen that establish a life long infection in a mainly latent state. CMV causes disease in transplant patients and is a leading cause of congenital disease in newborns where the virus crosses the placenta and infects the fetus in utero. Congenitally infected newborns can have severe disease that causes cognitive impairment, hearing loss and vision problems. There is no vaccine against congenital CMV and our research seeks to understand the disease and develop interventions strategies.",Associate Professor,Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n3de7f8e8
Daikwon,Han,Associate Professor,"My current research focuses on spatial epidemiology, GIS and spatial analysis methods, environmental health/exposure science, environmental justice and health disparities.",Associate Professor,Epidemiology and Biostatistics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n4a8ea59c
Paul,Straight,Associate Professor,"Our goal is to understand how microorganisms interact in complex communities. Specifically, we study how small molecules produced in a microbial community affect the growth, development and metabolic output of the organisms. We use a combination of microbiology, genetic, genomic, and biochemical approaches to dissect complex interspecies interactions. Currently, our research focuses on the interactions of the soil bacteria Bacillus subtilis and members of the genus Streptomyces, known for their prolific production of bioactive small molecules and development of aerial structures and spores.",Associate Professor,Biochemistry and Biophysics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n5540637b
Scott,Dindot,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n5a986b57
Yava,Jones-Hall,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n5b5cb520
Kevin,Myles,Professor,,Associate Professor,Entomology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n5d73717b
Jason,Gill,Associate Professor,"Dr. Gill's major research focus is the biology and application of the viruses of bacteria, called bacteriophages or simply phages. Phages are the most abundant organisms on Earth, and they are found ubiquitously in water, soil, and as part of the microbial flora of animals and plants. As natural predators of bacteria, phages are attractive agents for the control of pathogenic bacteria in humans, animals, and foods. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria, and the desire to curtail use of antibiotics in animal agriculture, has sparked interest in the use of phages as antimicrobials. Research in Dr. Gill's lab encompasses phage genomics, basic phage biology and the applications of phages in real-world settings.",Associate Professor,Animal Science,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n6277ae7f
Luis,Hurtado,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Ecology and Conservation Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n6d41da6a
Junjie,Zhang,Associate Professor,"The living cell contains a collection of molecular machines to grow and function. These machines include the ribosomes, the chaperons, the proteasomes and other enzymes. Malfunction of these machines, if occurred in human, are related to many diseases. Understanding their three-dimensional (3D) structures is essential to understand how these machines work in the cell and eventually to treat those related diseases.
Here we use an experimental technique called cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to image these cellular machines in their native environment at liquid nitrogen temperatures. We then use image processing and graphics techniques to visualize their 3D structures, answering the questions such as how they assemble and how they interact with each other.
In addition, we develop computational modeling tools to interpret and animate these obtained 3D structures to further describe their movements and dynamics.",Associate Professor,Biochemistry and Biophysics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n701e163f
Susan,Payne,Associate Professor,"Molecular aspects of viral replication, pathogenesis, and evolution. The major focus of the laboratory is the retrovirus, equine infectious anemia virus. EIAV studies include evolution of virulence during rapid virus passage, modification of cell signaling pathways mediated by viral glycoproteins, effects of proinflammatory cytokines on virus replication and disease, and detailed mapping of EIAV virulence determinants. We also study the recently discovered avian bornavirus, etiological agent of proventricular dilatation disease of parrots, in conjunction with colleagues from the Schubot center.",Associate Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n97844057
Shay,Bracha,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Small Animal Clinical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n991c18c0
Coran,Watanabe,Associate Professor,"Our research group is actively characterizing the biosynthetic genes of this pathway, which involves a variety of techniques and strategies including: cloning and overexpression of genes, disruption/knockout of genes, enzymology, as well as chemical synthesis/isotopic labeling studies. Functional characterization of the genes of the pathway will not only shed light on the mechanism of azabicycle formation but will also pave the way for genetic engineering of the pathway and the development of new therapeutic methodologies.
We have also been investigating the biosynthesis and cellular effects of cycloterpenals and their derivatives. Cycloretinal (all-trans retinal dimer), a representative member of this family of natural products is attributed to causing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of blindness in adults over the age of 50 that can lead to the loss of central vision. One of the most common early characteristic features of AMD (the dry form) is the accumulation of yellow deposits in the eye called drusen. A more severe form of the disease, the wet form, is characterized by neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel formation). Our research group aims to study the role of beta-lactoglobulin in cycloretinal synthesis in the eye as an environmental (dietary), non-genetic contributor of AMD. This involves tracking BLG in the eye, monitoring the formation of cycloretinal, and elucidating the mechanism of cycloretinal formation. Research strategies include: chemical synthesis, enzymology, fluorescence/confocal microscopy, PET imaging, dual modality OCT/fluorescence lifetime imaging.",Associate Professor,Chemistry,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n9a83891f
Alan,Dabney,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Statistics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n9b774f13
Andrea,Mora,Clinical Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Pharmacy Practice,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/na60cdda1
Julian,Hurdle,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Institute of Biosciences and Technology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/na747fce2
Kranthi,Mandadi,Associate Professor,"World-wide, pathogens, insects and abiotic stresses cause major losses to agricultural production and productivity. Our lab employs integrated approaches for basic and translational studies of crop stress responses in model and crops. We are using the latest genomics, genetics, and bioinformatics tools to study plant stress responses to diverse plant biotic and abiotic stress conditions, as well as enhance their stress tolerance using biotechnology and breeding tools.",Associate Professor||Associate Professor,Plant Pathology and Microbiology||Texas A&M AgriLife Research,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nb05fab89
Mariana,Mateos,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,"Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management||Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences",https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nb7331dd1
Zhilei,Chen,Associate Professor,"The Chen Medicinal Protein Lab aims to accelerate the discovery, development and clinical translation of protein therapeutics through innovative protein engineering research. We believe that better medicine enables a higher quality of living, and protein engineers are charged to create the better medicine for today and tomorrow. We are particularly interested in the creation and engineering of affordable protein therapeutics to prevent and treat infectious diseases and cancer.",Associate Professor,Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nc9a6c3ae
Zachary,Adelman,Professor,,Associate Professor,Entomology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ndc81a8e5
Dekai,Zhang,Associate Professor,"Our laboratory is studying the molecular mechanisms of innate immune recognition by identification and analysis of receptors involved in innate immune recognition and activated signaling pathways. We are particularly interested in the recently identified family of Toll-like receptors, which play a critical role in the mounting of innate immune responses. We wish to understand the mechanisms by which TLRs recognize different pathogen associate molecular patterns (PAMPs), as well as the regulatory mechanisms of TLR signal pathways that lead to NF- k B activation. We are also interested in studying the important links between chronic infection, inflammation and cancer by utilizing biochemical as well as whole animal approaches.",Associate Professor||Associate Professor,Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases||Institute of Biosciences and Technology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ndf8a94d4
Alejandro,Castillo,Associate Professor,"Dr. Castillo's research interests include the development of control measures for minimizing and reducing pathogens in fresh and fresh-cut food products, the bacterial reduction on beef and pork products and fresh produce by sanitizing rinses and the use of electron beam irradiation for food safety purposes. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, has authored or co-authored six book chapters and has published two books as editor. He teaches the graduate course in Microbiology of Foods and co-teaches the HACCP stacked course.",Associate Professor||Associate Professor,Animal Science||Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ne6e976cb
Jeffery,Tomberlin,Professor,"My areas of interest and expertise are the ecology and biology of flies associated with decomposing matter. Primarily, my research falls into two categories, 1) determine proper methods for suppressing fly populations associated with animal waste on confined animal facilities, 2) understanding the biology of insects that colonize human remains in order to assist law enforcement personnel in estimating the time of colonization of a corpse in order to provide a minimum postmortem interval.",Associate Professor,Entomology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ne8fb4d5b
Carl,Gregory,Associate Professor,"Our lab has been examining the biology of MSCs with a view to developing rapid molecular markers and tests for evaluating/purifying maximally efficacious cultures of MSCs. The group also specializes in bone repair by MSCs. Based on detailed characterization of the molecular mechanism of osteoblast differentiation by MSCs, a novel and effective bone regeneration strategy has been developed. Additionally, we are currently examining the effects of various small molecules and immunological strategies for the safe and effective inhibition of Dkk-1 activity in bone tumors.We have recently established methods to model bone-tumor interactions using bioreactors that simulate microgravity.",Associate Professor,Cell Biology and Genetics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ne92fd9fb
Steven,Maxwell,Associate Professor,"My primary interests include Cancer; Oncogenes; Tumor Suppressor; Genes Programmed Cell Death (apoptosis); Chemoresistance, and Angiogenesis. My laboratory studies mechanisms of evolution of chemoresistance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). One current primary objective is to conduct a Phase I study that (1) confirms RTI-79 safety in platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer patients, and (2) demonstrates signals of efficacy in humans (ex: time-to-disease progression and changes in CA125 biomarker). A second objective is to better define the RTI-79 mechanism of action (MOA) by (1) determining how RTI-79 causes a rapid burst in superoxides, and (2) elucidating the basis of Nrf-2 pathway downregulation.",Associate Professor,Cell Biology and Genetics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/neb5b702f
Aurora,Le,Associate Professor,"Dr. Aurora Le PhD, MPH, CSP, CPH is an Associate Professor of Health Behavior at Texas A&M University School of Public Health. Dr. Le's interdisciplinary research is centered around occupational safety and health with specific foci in occupational health disparities, occupational justice, and psychosocial factors in workplace settings. She also does translational work in highly infectious disease mitigation and management, with a focus on training, education, prevention, and preparedness.",Associate Professor,Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/neb79d2f2
James,Erickson,Associate Professor,"Alternative developmental fates are often determined by small differences in the concentrations of signaling molecules. In many cases, cells respond to these signals within narrowly defined temporal windows and are unresponsive to the same signal molecules at other times in development. A number of aspects of Drosophila sex determination make it an ideal experimental system to study how strict temporal controls and small quantitative differences in protein concentration can elicit different developmental fates.",Associate Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf4575bc8