RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES - Basic

BASIC AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - Basic scientific research within the Division focuses on pathogenesis of infectious diseases such as bacterial meningitis (Drs. Stephens, Farley, Zimmer, Satola, Tzeng, and Shafer [adjunct faculty]) as well as basic research in HIV immunology, vaccine development and virology (Drs. Staprans, and Silvestri and Drs. Eric Hunter and Harriet Robinson [Vaccine Center Investigators]). Major areas of investigation of bacterial pathogens include analysis of mechanisms of attachment and invasion of Neisseria and Haemophilus (including molecular investigation of synthesis and function of pili, capsules and lipooligosaccharides, roll of toll receptors), studies of the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance (Drs. Stephens, McGowan), research into the role of transposable elements and repetitive nucleotide sequences in microbial pathogenesis, and agents associated with bioterrorism (Dr. Stephens). The pathogenesis group works closely with the other investigators in the Emory Department of Microbiology and Immunology and investigators at the CDC who focus on microbial pathogenesis. The Division participates in graduate programs and research in microbiology and molecular genetics, immunology and molecular pathogesis, and population biology, ecology, and evolution. Additional opportunities are available for basic research in toxin mediated infections, intracellular pathogens, influenza, hemorrhagic fever viruses, zoonotic pathogens, parasites and fungi.

The Emory Vaccine Center has been established at Emory University at the Yerkes Primate Research Center. Dr. Walter Orenstein, a member of the Division, serves as Associate Director of the Vaccine Center and Dr. Rafi Ahmed serves as Director. The Center provides many opportunities for basic and translational investigation of HIV-related immunology, vaccine development and virology; these are a major focus of investigation that involves our faculty (Drs. Silvestri, Staprans, Radziewicz, Blackwell, and others). Malaria research is also a major focus covering molecular, cellular and immunophysiopathological aspects of this disease, as well as malaria vaccine development and testing (Dr. Galinski). Investigations of naturally acquired immune responses in malaria endemic regions are also a priority. Further vaccine related research addresses T-cell immunologic responses and antigen processing (Drs. Ahmed, Galinski, and Robinson) as well as homeostasis of T-cells (Silvestri). A number of additional opportunities for basic scientific research are available in the Graduate Divisions of Microbiology and Immunology and through CDC. HIV translational research is also a major focus of the ID Division and Emory Vaccine Center investigators (Drs. Hunter, Silvestri, Radziewicz, Blackwell).

Clinical and Diagnostic Microbiology - Emory University Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital have outstanding resources in diagnostic and clinical microbiology. Drs. Frederick Nolte and Angela Caliendo at Emory University Hospital are nationally known leaders in this field. Areas of focus have included development and assessment of diagnostic tools based on nucleic acid detection, optimization of laboratory procedures for diagnosis of mycobacterial infections, and assessment of the accuracy of automated systems for detection of antimicrobial resistance.