Kirwin Providence

My Microbiology Research

Students can choose from several research projects in my lab. Two research projects target students interested in careers in the health or research fields. One research project targets students interested in Environmental Science.

My primary research relates to human health and bridges a gap between two important fields in biology (Microbiology and Cell Biology). The biological themes that I study are cell motility and cell adhesion. I am particularly interested in how specific species of bacteria influence these biological themes in two important cell types.  These cell types are skin cells (keratinocytes) and neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). Both cell types are important to the human immune system. 

Finally, algae are microscopic plant-like organisms. As such, they are a suitable model to do microbiology research with.   Using algae, I capitalize on my understanding of cell adhesion mechanisms to offer students a research topic that is rooted in the field of Environmental Science (with an emphases on aquatic ecosystem sustainability). 

While my labs primary goal is to further the understanding of how pathogenic bacteria affect human health, we routinely adapt all our research findings and protocols to the design of new teaching laboratory exercises.

This link (Background information) will introduce you to the model systems and tool organisms employed in my laboratory.

If you need more information on the procedures to enroll for research credit then follow this link:
Information on the procedures to conduct research.

Other Involvments

Biology Club Co-Advisor

• Meetings and Upcoming Events

Biochemistry Professor