The biofilm matrix helps entrenched bacterial cells elude detection by components of the immune system and provides protection from antimicrobial agents or harsh environmental factors. Work in the Weadge lab studies how biofilms are relevant to our food/water security, oral health and from a basic discovery perspective.

My research program utilizes a combination of state-of-the-art approaches, such as enzymology, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to characterize proteins involved in the biosynthesis, export and degradation of cellulose. We also profile biofilm growth and resistance with high-throughput bacterial growth, staining and analysis techniques.

The results of this research will be key to revealing unique approaches to circumvent the biofilm barrier and may lead to avenues for designing biopolymers with specific traits for medical and industrial applications.

Lab Members

Current Members

• Alex Anderson - graduate student
• Alysha Burnett - graduate student
• Cody Reese – graduate student
• William Scott – graduate student
• Chris Bartlett – research technician
• Rutik Patel - thesis student
• Monica Garner - research assistant/ thesis student
• Rebecca Fievoli - research assistant

Past Members

• Emily Wilson – MSc/technician
• Raluca Tutulan - MSc/technician
• Thomas Brenner - MSc/technician