Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Research Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
·
2023 - Present
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Scholarly Works
Meiosis-specific genes play roles in ploidy reduction in Cryptococcus neoformans titan cells.
Journal article Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · June 2, 2026 Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen of humans that causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis. During infection, enlarged, polyploid titan cells are produced that promote persistence in the host, in part by resisting phagocytosis; under stress co ... Full text Link to item CiteSystematic Profiling of Essential Fungal Transcription Factors Uncovers Ezt1 as a Central Pathobiological and Morphogenic Regulator in Cryptococcus neoformans.
Journal article bioRxiv · May 5, 2026 Cryptococcus neoformans is a global fungal pathogen that causes fatal cryptococcosis, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutics given the limitations of current antifungals. Here, we systematically investigate essential transcription factors (TFs ... Full text Link to item CiteDissecting the homeodomain MAT locus and engineering novel tripolar and bipolar mating systems in Cryptococcus amylolentus.
Journal article mBio · April 8, 2026 Sex in fungi is governed by the mating-type (MAT) locus, which exists as a bipolar, pseudobipolar, or tetrapolar system. The significance and impact of MAT on sexual reproduction, however, remain understudied. Furthermore, the evolution of fungal MAT loci ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Calcineurin signaling cascades governing Cryptococcus virulence
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2023 - 2028The Genetic Basis of Virulence in Cryptococcus Neoformans
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2017 - 2028RNAi-dependent epimutation roles in antimicrobial drug resistance and pathogenesis
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2022 - 2027View All Grants
Education
McMaster University (Canada) ·
2009
Ph.D.