Summary
Research in the Burtnick laboratory is focused on identifying the molecular mechanisms used by Burkholderia pseudomallei to persist within eukaryotic cells. Specifically, we are interested in determining how the virulence-associated secretion systems expressed by this facultative intracellular pathogen facilitates survival and replication within a variety of human and murine cell types. Our laboratory has over 20 years of experience working with pathogenic Burkholderia species and has significant expertise in areas relating to bacterial genetics, pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, antigen discovery and immune assay development. The main objective of our research is to use the information gained from host-pathogen interaction studies to identify antigens that can be used to develop novel vaccines, diagnostics and immune assays to combat disease caused by this important bacterial pathogen.
Education
- B.Sc., Biology, University of British Columbia
- Ph.D., Bacterial Pathogenesis, University of Calgary