Role of histidine kinases in plants. Stacia A. Sower, Ph.D. Neuroendocrinology and physiology. Biochemical, molecular and physiological basis of the endocrinology of reproduction in fish and mammals. Evolution of neuropeptides. Structure and physiology of microbes in relation to their ecology.
Current emphasis is on metal-microbe interactions and plant symbionts.
Aaron B. Margolin, Ph.D. Environmental virology. Microbiological quality of waters and seafood. Sampling methods, efficacy of disinfection and development of detection methods for viruses, bacteria and protozoan. Thomas G. Pistole, Ph.D. Microbial immunity. Molecular events involved in recognition of microbial pathogens by macrophages and epithelial cells, with emphasis on Salmonella and Group B streptococci.