Core Competencies and Capabilities
Core competencies include the disciplines of (1) microbiology and infectious disease, (2) immunology, organ transplantation and autoimmune disease,
and (3) cancer cell biology. Strong skill sets in molecular and cellular biology methodology and technology are utilized in task completion. Staff have
specialized training in the following:
- handling of blood borne pathogens
- handling of patient related samples and information (HIPAA)
- NIH sponsored training in the usage of human research subjects (HPPERT)
- radionuclide safety
- basic laboratory chemical safety
- compliance with U.S. Customs regulations for the proper transfer of biological materials and samples into and out of the United States
Current Interests and Projects
Current interests are in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic advancements to the field of human medicine. Current projects include the following:
- Development of a non-invasive technology to monitor blood cell populations through optical monitoring
- Development of a rapid and accurate diagnostic for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB)
- Identification of pre-term labor biomarkers
- Development of a rapid and accurate Haemophilus influenza (“flu”) strain diagnostic chip
- Advancement of T cell receptor identification technology - US Patent issued 2009
