Dr.Martin Szul, Ph.D.

Principal investigator and instructor driven to develop our understanding of the evolution of virulence factors, selective pressures on these factors, and their underlying regulatory mechanisms. As a PI, my research seeks to identify gaps in our collective knowledge in these fields using a combination of traditional bench top and biochemical techniques while selectively applying 'omics techniques to delve further into their underlying mechanisms. Currently my research is centered on identification of arthropod (e.g. mosquitos, brine shrimp) virulence factors and their expression by Chromobacterium spp. As an instructor I am fueled by my student's sympathy laughs as I strive to integrate seminal research from the golden age of microbiology and discuss of the forces of selection and evolution on biological mechanisms.