Academic title: Professor of microbiology and immunology
When did you join the USA College of Medicine faculty? I completed my Ph.D. in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology here at USA in 2002, and I joined the faculty in January of 2003. It has been an excellent experience and a great place to establish a research program.
What does your position in the USA COM entail? Our primary mission is education and healthcare transformation through teaching and research. I am truly lucky to be able to work alongside a great group of graduate students, medical students, staff and faculty.
What is your favorite or most rewarding part of your position? The best part of my position at the USA COM is interacting with students and colleagues, and getting to learn something new every day.
What research initiatives are you involved in? We are currently working to understand how serious illnesses such as pneumonia and sepsis can lead to long-term problems for patients once they have resolved the infection. There are many lingering health issues that patients have to deal with during recovery that adversely affect their overall quality of life. These problems represent a serious burden, not only to the patient, but also to the healthcare infrastructure as a whole.
Do you have any advice for medical and graduate students? Work hard, ask questions, and understand that you are, ultimately, here to learn.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of work? I enjoy spending time at the beach with my lovely wife, Donna, and my daughter, Madelyn; cooking; and playing music.
