Dr. Ajdic’s research focuses on microbial infection especially streptococcal biofilms. Her recent NIH RO1 award is focusing on studies of S. mutant virulence factors in biofilm communities, including carbohydrate transport and metabolism. Her important discoveries include new transport systems specific for biofilms and novel regulatory mechanisms controlling and coordinating expression of sugar transporters that will potentially lead to new strategies to manipulate carbohydrate metabolism to alter S. mutans persistence and virulence. She is also collaborating with Dr. Pastar in understanding biofilm formation in chronic wounds.