Branch Officers
Dr. Terri Ellis - President
Associate Professor, Dept. Biology, University of North Florida
Research in my lab focuses on the outer surface of pathogenic (disease causing) Gram-negative bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria, unlike other cells, are surrounded by a distinctive cell wall and second, outer phospholipid membrane. Bacterial species within this group include such well known bacteria as E. coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae. My lab utilizes a range of proteomic, biochemical, cell biology, genetic, and immunology based techniques. Using this integrative approach, we investigate how small changes to the outer surface of these bacteria trigger larger downstream alterations in virulence. Incorporated into all investigations is student training.
Dr. Kimberely James -
Vice president
Dr. Sarah Doore - Secretary
Dr. Cory Krediet - treasurer
Associate Professor, Depts. Marine Science and Biology, Eckerd College
krediecj@eckerd.edu | @coryjkrediet
My research interests lie in host-microbe interactions and specifically how mutualistic or commensal microbiota influence the host’s physiological response to various abiotic and biotic stressors. My research aims to better understand how associated microbiota affect the physiology of the coral holobiont and what mechanisms underpin the overall success of the symbiosis. I regularly involve undergraduate students as assistants in my research.
Lau Garcia-Dieguez -
Socia Media Representative
Dr. Lisa Emerson - Councilor
PhD Student in the Dept. Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida
lisa.emerson@ufl.edu
I am a Microbiology and Cell Science PhD student in Mariola Edelmann's lab at the University of Florida. I'm interested in host-microbe interactions and immunology. In Dr. Edelmann's lab, I study extracellular vesicles in the context of Salmonella infections, and the potential of extracellular vesicles as novel therapeutics.
Past Presidents:
Julie Torruellas Garcia (Nova Southeastern University)
Kelly Rice (University of Florida)
Shannon Ulrich (St. Petersburg College)
Jamie Foster (University of Florida)
Mya Breitbart (University of South Florida)