My research focuses on pathogen detection in clinical and environmental samples, and epidemiology of infectious diseases. Working in both the public and private sectors, my research teams have generated 10 patents and over 75 publications in relevant areas including tuberculosis (TB) and related diseases, food- and water-borne pathogens, and COVID-19. These activities share a strong emphasis on translation and global health impact.

Aspects of my research have resulted in diagnostic product launches and company start-ups. Currently we lead two U.S. – South African consortia to validate oral swab analysis (OSA) as a highly novel, non-invasive means to diagnose TB and COVID-19 in adults and children. In other consortia we have developed point-of-care diagnostic devices for TB. I have led or co-led IRB-approved human subject protocols for infectious disease sample acquisition in Washington, Oregon, Florida, Bangladesh, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya.

I teach Environmental Health courses on environmental change, microbiomes, and environmental pathogens. I have mentored over 25 graduate and undergraduate students