I am investigating the formation of the Bundle Forming Pilus (Bfp), a Type IV pilus, secreted by Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and necessary for the organism's adherence to host cells in intestinal epithelia.  Specifically, I am examining four genes encoded by the Bfp operon necessary for Bfp formation and function, bfpI, bfpJ, bfpK, and bfpL.  Currently, the function of these proteins is unknown.

Transmission electron microscope picture of EPEC cells with Bfp

EPEC cells forming aggregates

Cloning of bacterial genes into expression vectors, generation of bacterial mutants using the Quikchange and One-Step PCR protocols, protein expression in bacteria, purification of expressed proteins through cell lysis and using a metal ion affinity column.

I was born in Philadelphia and I am a cum laude graduate of the Biology program of Saint Joseph's University.  I began the program in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology in the fall of 2005.