Her research focuses on the biology of virus host interactions using bacterial viruses as a model system. As cellular invaders viruses are often viewed as “skilled” and “creative” users of the cellular machinery and historically have been utilized as tools to probe how cellular and molecular processes work. Understanding how viruses function and interact with the host cell contributes to understanding of life as a phenomenon, as well as is beneficial for the development of strategies how to combat viruses detrimental for human health. Don Padgett Associate Professor and Chairperson