• B.S., The Citadel, 1970
• M.D.,Wake Forest University, 1974

Research Interests: Bacterial pathogens often colonize human mucosal surfaces as an initial step in infection. As a model for this pathogenic event, current studies of our laboratory are directed at understanding how Neisseria meningitidis (a leading cause of bacterial meningitis) colonizes and invades human upper respiratory mucosal surfaces. We are examining the genetic, structural and pathogenic basis of meningococcal lipopoly(oligo)saccharide, meningococcal pili expression and meningococcal capsule. The role of the transposons Tn1016 , Tn1301 , Tn1106 and other insertion elements in meningococcal pathogenesis is also studied. Human cells, cell cultures and organ cultures are used to evaluate the ability of genetically defined mutants to attach to and invade host cells. A better understanding of how pathogenic bacteria cause disease is needed for new strategies for the design of vaccines that will protect against serious bacterial infections.