I am a professor of microbiology & infectious diseases in the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research.  My doctoral training was in medical microbiology and pathogenic bacteriology.  My primary area of research is on the development of the oral microbiome in children.  I also collaborate with colleagues on looking at crosstalk between the oral and gut microbiomes and the impact on systemic immunity, autoimmune diseases, and many aspects of systemic health. 

I am currently co-PI of an R56 grant recently funded as a bridge for our revised, competitive R01 renewal soon to be reviewed.  I am also co-PI of the AADOCR Mind the Future Program funded as a collaborative agreement with NIDCR.  I mentor junior faculty in this program and other programs (NRMN-Utah, NRMN-SETH, as well as many mentees at several different universities.  I have been a professor for 35 years and at this stage of my career, I am dedicating my time to mentor postdocs and junior faculty across the country so that they will thrive in academia.